April 22, 1961 – July 11, 2016
It is with great sadness that the family of Elaine Fitzgerald announces her peaceful passing, surrounded by loved ones at the Agape Hospice on Monday, July 11, 2016 at the age of 55 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
Elaine was predeceased by her husband of 33 years, Frank Fitzgerald, in August 2015. She is survived by her daughters, Frankie and Casey Fitzgerald of Calgary and step-daughter Tina Fitzgerald of St. John’s, NFLD; grandchildren Brady, Ethan, Mary-Jane and Myra; her mother Elsie Sawatzky; her father Vern (Carol) Sawatzky; her sisters Jeanine (Vic) Bateman and Lenora (John) Pekarchuk; her brother Laverne (Tara) Sawatzky, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, close friends and co-workers.
Elaine was born in Calgary, but moved with her parents and siblings to Didsbury, Alberta at the age of 10 where she grew up. After finishing high school she moved back to Calgary where she met Frank and they built a life together. Whatever challenges Elaine faced throughout her life, she never complained, including the past seven months dealing with the devastating effects of cancer. She was selfless and she regularly made personal sacrifices, always putting everyone else’s needs ahead of her own.
Elaine was a long time employee of STARS Air Ambulance in Calgary where she worked until her illness.
The family greatly appreciates all of the loving concern and thoughts from everyone. Elaine was blessed to have many friends and co-workers who were like a second family to her and they were with her right through to the end.
A memorial service will be held for Elaine at the Foothills Mennonite Church (2115 Urbana Road NW, Calgary) on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.