Obituary of Marion Fitzpatrick

It is with appreciation for a life well lived but a sense of deep sadness that the family of Marion Anne Louise (Downs) Fitzpatrick announce her passing at the Parkland Shannex on March 12, 2023, in her 97th year.

Marion was born in Saint John on January 6, 1927, to her late parents, Nelson and Katherine (Rooney) Downs and spent the first 6 years of her life in Montreal before the untimely passing of her father. Her family then moved back and took up residence in the north end of Saint John.

Marion was proud of the fact that she graduated in first place from her class of 1944 at Saint John Vocational School winning the Saint John Board of Trade Medal for academic achievement. She went on to work for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for the next 14 years before staying home to raise her family. She later returned to work at Floor Fashions from where she retired in 1987.

Marion loved performing on stage and acted in numerous roles with the Theatre Guild of Saint John. She was an active parishioner of Saint Pius X church and a member of the CWL since 1958 serving as both local and provincial President in 1988. Marion was an avid reader and amazed people with her ability to complete crossword puzzles in record time.

She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Michael Fitzpatrick. They met when Marion accompanied a friend to visit her friend’s father at the DVA hospital in Lancaster and she noticed the handsome soldier in the next bed who asked her to accompany him to the weekend dance. Marion and Michael shared a love of travel and enjoyed many trips to Europe, the US and across Canada. Marion was also predeceased by her dear sister Mildred (Downs, Prime) Brydges and her brother Fred Howard.

She is survived by and will be dearly missed by her children; Kenneth Fitzpatrick (Deborah McQuade) of Fredericton, Stephen Fitzpatrick (Harrison Boyce) of Vancouver and Eleanor Fitzpatrick (Roger Peters) of Halifax. Her grandchildren; Christopher Fitzpatrick (Patricia Lambros), Sarah Fitzpatrick (Jack O’Connor), Jason Fitzpatrick (Megan Stone) and Lauren Donovan (Greg Donovan) as well as her great-grandchildren, Leonidas and Kalli Fitzpatrick and Abigail O’Connor. Marion will also be lovingly remembered by nieces and nephew Barbara Prime, Carolyn Shepherd, Laura Hendry, Andrea Titus, Kathy and Nancy Fitzpatrick, Jeannie Woods, Sandra Soucy, Geoffrey, Gayle and Janice Howard and their families.

The family wishes to thank the staff and caregivers of Parkland Shannex for the care and affection they have provided to our Mother over the last 7 years.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held from Holy Redeemer Parish (St. Pius X) (316 Somerset Street) on Thursday, June 8, 2023, beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. For those who wish, a donation to Bobby’s Hospice, Meals on Wheels or the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com