September 6, 1943 – July 22, 2025
Marge Fitzgerald, age 81, of Forest City, Iowa passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, July 22 surrounded by loved ones.
She was born on September 6 in Storm Lake, Iowa to Robert and Elma Lenahan and grew up on the family farm outside of Newell. She studied at Our Lady of Good Council High School in Fonda, Mt. Saint Clair College, and the Iowa State Teachers College.
Marge, a realist and stoic introvert, married the ying to her yang in the best way possible, the eternal optimist and extrovert Paul Fitzgerald on June 25, 1966 in Fonda. Their journey took them to places such as Cedar Falls, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, Lourdes, Iowa, Garner, and Forest City. Forest City is where their three children Cindy, Susan, and Chris graduated high school, where she and Paul were extremely devoted to their kids and their activities. She could always be found attending musicals and concerts and had plenty of time in the gym and ball fields. They were the parents who were always happy to support everyone on the team. She was also a devoted grandma to Ethan.
She was active with the North Iowa Girl Scouts and served on the Forest City Public Library Board. She had a passion for reading which flowed into her children and grandson.
Marge provided a home that was welcome to all. She was an in-home day care provider where the families became close friends and essentially another part of the Fitzgerald family. “Marge’s House” was a place of creativity, community, and care. She was up for having her children’s friends over where the house was an open door. From graduation parties to the Class of 2003 reunions, her last hurrah was hosting her son’s RAGBRAI team of Magnum Thunder. Until the day she passed, she was always looking out for her family and was still up for sarcasm and a little dark humor. She instilled great values in her children of love, care, taking an appreciation for the simple things in life, how you can be nice to everyone – but not everyone has to be your friend, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation of why you are saying no. The ultimate combo of care, confidence, and honesty.
Marge is survived by husband Paul, children Chris, Cindy, and Susan (David) Watson, and her grandson Ethan Watson. She is also survived by brothers James and Patrick.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers John and Robert, and her sister Jane.
Upon her wishes she will be cremated and private family services will be held at a later date.
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