- June 21, 2025
Catherine Ann “Cathy” Fitzgerald (née Meierhoefer), 77, passed away on March 11, 2025, in Palm Coast, Florida.
If you were fortunate enough to know Cathy, she likely made your life better without you even asking, sometimes without you even knowing it (until later). She was always thinking ahead-whether it was leaving a key on the tire for someone arriving late at the airport, gifting a piece of furniture that you didn’t know you needed, planning birthday presents for her grandchildren months in advance, or bringing a home cooked meal to a friend. Her love, creativity and generosity permeated the lives of those around her.
Born on October 7, 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri, Cathy dedicated her life to education, caregiving, and enriching the lives of those around her. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Missouri and was an author, co-writing “The New Retirement: The Ultimate Guide to the Rest of Your Life,” helping others navigate one of life’s major transitions with wisdom and insight. Above all, Cathy dedicated her life to her family.
Cathy was a devoted wife to Dennis Fitzgerald and a loving mother to Michael Fitzgerald (Melanie), Brian Fitzgerald (Annie), Patrick Fitzgerald (Colleen), and Kate Fitzgerald. She cherished her role as a grandmother to Ellie, Henry, Audrey, Molly, Tommy, Charlie, Gus, Sam, and Grayson. She is also survived by her brother Bill Meierhoefer (Kathy). She was preceded in death by her parents, Doris and Ken Meierhoefer.
Cathy’s love for travel took her on many adventures - from Paris to China to Kenya. In her healthy years you could always find her playing tennis, at a workout class, riding her bike or volunteering in her community with Meals on Wheels in St. Louis, Tender Mercies in Cincinnati, and Habitat for Humanity in Palm Coast. Cathy loved to cook, and even more, she loved to teach her family and friends how to make a new recipe. Her keen sense of humor always shined through on April Fools Day where she successfully fooled most of the people she knew. Cathy connected with people in many ways, ensuring that those she loved felt cared for in ways both big and small.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 31, 2025 in Palm Coast, Florida. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Head Cook for ALS Foundation by going to www.turntableindy.com/madness or Flagler Habitat for Humanity at https://www.flaglerhabitat.com/.
Cathy’s legacy is one of love, a zest for life, and unwavering dedication to those she held dear. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.
