Beloved petanque enthusiast farewelled
Carleen Fitzgerald farewelled by family
Carleen FITZGERALD Born May 1, 1949 - Died December 29, 2023 Written by Brian Fitzgerald with Sue Corkill .. .. .. ..
Carleen Fitzgerald (ne´ e Hodge), who died suddenly at her home, was a Levin resident with a huge zest for life.
She was well known for her association with clubs such as the Horowhenua Pe´ tanque
Club and 60s Up. She also had a huge impact on the many individuals she supported and encouraged in their endeavours.
Carleen was born in Blenheim to Brian and Hazel Hodge. Her father was a primary school headmaster, a position that saw the family move from place to place, including Taumarunui, Foxton Beach and Titahi Bay.
In 1989, while working at Hawkers Garden Centre in O¯ taki (where New World is now), she met and married plasterer Brian Fitzgerald. She thrived in Levin and shared her enthusiasm for life with many in the town.
Carleen, a person who, according to Stephen Feldon, was ‘always on a mission’ was recognised by many for her kindness, and the thoroughness and precision she brought to her many projects. She always made sure things were well organised and perfect in every way. Entering into all activities with gusto, her favourite saying was: “Thanks for the memories”. Perhaps surprisingly, Carleen always insisted that, when her time came, she wanted no fuss, no service, and “just a few people around home”. Many of the numerous heartfelt eulogies offered at the service gave an apology: “Sorry, Carleen, we couldn’t do it. This gathering had to happen”. Her contribution to our lives was celebrated, no holds barred.
Carleen had rested at home for several days. Then her coffin was placed on the deck of Brian’s red Holden truck, and he drove her along the TiroTiro Road route, past her beloved Pe´ tanque Club to Harvey Bowler’s. The Club members provided a guard of honour, a suitable indication of the huge respect in which Carleen was held.
Having started the Horowhenua Pe´ tanque Club in 1999, Carleen played pe´ tanque for over 20 years. She was highly regarded as a foundation member and a “wonderful worker” at the club. She always ensured everything was in perfect order, especially for the tournaments. President for the best part of 17 years, she loved the club, especially the socialising and the focus on the art and science of pe´ tanque. She was constantly practising and learning to fully master
her favourite game.
The well-being of the club was always top of mind for Carleen. In early 2023, she arranged with the RSA president to transfer their defunct bowling club’s six shelters for use by the pe´ tanque club. She liaised with generous local businesses, tradespeople, and a Corrections team to position the shelters at the Tiro Tiro Rd piste (the marked patch of ground for playing pe´ tanque).
Carleen was one of only two foundation members still playing pe´ tanque with the club at the end of 2023. Over the years, she has won multiple matches at a regional level, in singles, doubles and triples. Her most recent win was in November.
Carleen died four days after Christmas, leaving her much-loved husband Brian Fitzgerald, sister Cheryl Best, two brothers Bruce and Ken Hodge, many nieces and nephews, dear clubmates, and special friends in Levin and beyond.
The legacy Carleen has left for so many people is an enduring memory of her kindness, generosity and encouragement. She is a reminder to live life to the full, no matter what is going on around us.