Mary Carroll FitzGerald
Norwich — Mary Carroll FitzGerald (née Flynn), beloved and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away following a short illness Feb. 9, 2021, at the William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich.
Mary Carroll was born March 14, 1936, in Norwich, the only child of Maurice and Delia Flynn (née Shea). She was a graduate of the Norwich Free Academy, Bouvé College in Boston and Tufts University in Medford, Mass.
Mary Carroll taught in the Newton, Mass., public school system after her graduation from university before relocating back to Norwich to start a family. A devoted friend, avid reader, tennis player, golfer, gardener, UConn women’s basketball supporter, Red Sox fan, theatergoer, knitter, baker and bird watcher, she could often be found on Sunday mornings finishing both The Boston Globe and New York Times Sunday crossword puzzles in record time.
She was a committed member of her community. Mary Carroll was active in the Girl Scouts early in her adult life, as well as the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, and served for many years as a volunteer at the Backus Hospital. She dedicated over 25 years in support of UCFS Healthcare in Norwich, a nonprofit community health care organization whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the community, while serving the underinsured and uninsured citizens of Norwich and surrounding towns. During her tenure, she served on the executive committee, eldercare, marketing and development and building and grounds committees. She was instrumental in the success of their charity golf tournament for many years as well as was an active member of the Rock Nook building committee. She retired from the board in 2016, but remained on the eldercare committee until her passing.
She was also an active, longtime member and supporter of The Friends of Otis Library in Norwich until her passing, and with her husband, a longtime supporter of the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam. She loved discovering new places and different cultures. With her husband, children and grandchildren, she traveled the world, visiting numerous continents and countries throughout her life. She especially loved an annual summer vacation lakeside in New Hampshire with the entire family.
Mary Carroll was predeceased by her beloved son John Michael; and survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Atty. John R. FitzGerald of Norwich; her daughter Karen FitzGerald and son-inlaw Andrew Hoddick of Silver Spring, Md; Thomas FitzGerald and daughter-in-law Megan FitzGerald (née Finley) of Bethesda, Md; and son Paul FitzGerald and daughter-inlaw Dr. Maryam Oskoui of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Mary Carroll was the devoted grandmother of six grandchildren, Nicholas, John, William, Katherine, Tara and Sam.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making a donation to UCFS. Donations can be sent in her memory to Pam Kinder, UCFS, 47 Town St., Norwich, CT 06360.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Norwich.