Obituary of Ethna Fitzsimmons

Mom, Nana, sister, nurse and friend. It is with deep sadness that the family of Patty Fitzsimmons announces her passing on Tuesday April 7th at the age of 81 from Alzheimer’s disease. Patty was a 1960 graduate of nursing school and continued her education with a Bachelor of Arts in 1975 and a Master’s Of Arts degree in 1987. After working at Columbia Presbyterian as an R.N., Patty began her three decade career at Dumont High School in NJ where she rose to become the head administrator of the districts nurses. She also taught health for many years. She spent many Saturdays on the sidelines of football games tending to injured players and many nights grading papers at her dining room table. All while raising her own family with her husband, whom everyone knew as “Fitz”. Patty’s joys came from her children and husband, along with her siblings and extended family. Countless hours in her backyard pool, hosting summer BBQ’s with her sisters and brothers and their growing families. Cheering from the sidelines at Little League games and later, her children’s high school sports. Patty and Fitz purchased a second home on LBI in 1987 where some of the best memories of their life together unfolded. Summer birthdays and their eldest grandchildren played in the backyard, watching the fireworks on the 4th of July together. After Fitz’s passing, Patty semi-retired (because she couldn’t not work) from DHS in 2007 and worked with the nursing students at Felician College in Lodi, guiding a new generation of selfless professionals. Always moving forward, Patty bought another home on LBI with the purpose of providing her nine grandchildren a place to come and enjoy the sun and sand. After a busy day hitting the waves, Patty’s greatest enjoyment was walking with her kids and grandkids to get some ice cream and watch the sun set over the bay. Good times! Survivors include her three children, Robert, Susanne and Lynn along with their spouses, Suzanne, Patrick and Tim respectively. Cherished and “hands on” Nana to: Ellen, Chris, Peter, Mary and Robert Fitzsimmons, Shannon and Madelyn Elliott and Emma and Peyton Almquist. You will be in their hearts forever. Her five siblings, who were her best friends: Loretta, Eileen, Francis, Bobby and Patrick. Although we will miss her dearly, she is with Fitz and her loving parents. We know God will keep her by his side. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Alzheimer’s Association at ALZ.org. Let’s beat this thing.