Dora Fitzgerald, 93, widow of Frank Fitzgerald (after 65 years of marriage), died in her home in North Charleston Wednesday, surrounded by several of her children. Two infant children, Mary Macushla and Gerald James, and granddaughter Heather Amanda also predeceased Dora. She will be greatly missed by her nine living children, William Francis of Garmisch, Germany; Michael Morton of New Sweden, Maine; Joseph Gerald of Seattle, Washington; Kathleen Marie of Murrieta, California; Shelagh Mavourneen of Caribou, Maine; Timothy Shane of Portland, Maine; Patrick Mark of Charleston, South Carolina; and Mary Theresa of North Charleston, South Carolina. Dora also leaves 18 grandchildren and almost as many great grandchildren. She had been a member of the Shepherd's Center of East Cooper for the past several years. It is not an exaggeration to say that all who knew Dora loved her; she was an instant favorite with everyone whose lives she touched. At the tender age of 91, she took her first hot air balloon ride, accompanied by her son, Patrick. After the exhilarating flight over Asheville, she insisted that everyone should do that at least once in their lifetime. She was an inspiration to so many, and a friend to all. Although she had been battling congestive heart failure for over a year, she was determined to live long enough to vote in the presidential election. Her absentee ballot arrived Wednesday morning, she made her mark, and it was put in the mailbox at 11 A.M. One hour after being told that her ballot was on its way, she quietly passed away. A memorial gathering was held at her son's home in Charleston on Sunday, October 12. In November, another service will be held in southern Maine, where she lived for many years. Memorials may be sent to her daughter, Mary Fitzgerald, who will then make a lump sum donation to Dora's favorite local charity.


Published in the Charleston Post & Courier on 10/13/2008