Fitzgerald, Racine

Racine Fitzgerald, 87, died Dec. 10, 2010, at Mercy Medical Center after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Services: 1 p.m. Tuesday at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. The Rev. John Louk of Salem United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday and at the chapel after noon Tuesday.

Surviving are her children, Charles (Diann) Fitzgerald of Cedar Rapids and Michael (Teresa) Fitzgerald of Waukee; eight grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; and a very close sister-in-law and friend, Eunice Stanley of Cedar Rapids.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Orville in 1981; a son, Dennis; and a brother-in-law, Martin and wife, Mary.

Racine was born July 5, 1923, in Callaway County, Mo. She was raised by Thomas and Elizabeth Salmon in Cedar Rapids. She attended and graduated from McKinley High School. Racine was united in marriage to Orville Fitzgerald on Sept. 12, 1942. Racine was a member of Salem United Methodist Church and its sewing circle. She worked at Square D Co., Charter Coaches for several years where she planned and guided tours, and The Eastern Iowa Airport.

Racine had many hobbies, including cake decorating, square dancing, sewing, and traveling. She took great pride in bringing happiness to people as Jingle Jenny the Clown at St. Luke's Hospital. She also volunteered for hospice at Mercy Medical Center. She was a member and officer of the VFW Auxiliary Post 788 and was an active member of New Encounters.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

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