Shirley Ella Fitzgerald

Shirley Fitzgerald, 93, peacefully passed away with her spirit of grace and dignity on Sunday, January 6, 2019 at TMC in Choteau. A strong, determined woman with independent thoughts and actions, she was a voice of her own belief before it was a popular notion. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Schnider Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel, 1410 13th St. S Great Falls, with a Celebration of Life to follow at The Elks Club. Shirley was born November 29, 1925 in Great Falls to Alma and Arthur Molter. She joined her older sister Ardelle and was raised in Dutton. Graduating from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane and receiving her RN from Sacred Heart School of Nursing in 1946, she started her career in Phoenix, shortly thereafter returning to Montana to work the Polio epidemic. On October 15, 1947 in Phoenix, Shirley married Dana Fitzgerald and they returned to reside on the family farm in Power and were active members of that community for many years. They were instrumental in establishing the local Boys and Girls Scouting Programs and were active members of Bethany Lutheran Church, American Legion, Order of the Eastern Star, and Order of Rainbow for Girls. While raising their children, the Fitzgerald home was a revolving door for many schoolmates and out-of-towners, feeding and providing hospitality to many. During all these years, Shirley pursued her nursing career, the love and passion of her life. She continued her extended education and was an “Angel of Nursing” to many community members in her home, establishing the “REWOP CLINIC” (POWER, spelled backwards!).She worked as a private scrub and office nurse for Dr. Charles Steele, a Cardiac Care Nurse, and was an Assistant Supervisor of Surgery. Shirley and Dana retired to Helena and Shirley worked for the American Red Cross Mobile Blood Unit traveling the State of Montana. She also served as a dedicated volunteer in many capacities including Hospice of St. Peter’s. Shirley and Dana enjoyed traveling the world and she continued to do so after his death in 1987. Also preceding her in death was a granddaughter, Nicole Rae Fitzgerald. Survivors include son Ross (Gretchen & extended family) of Fairfield and daughter Faye of her home in Wolf Creek Canyon. Suggested memorials thankfully received at the Great Falls Shrine Transportation Fund, 20 3rd St. N. #1 Great Falls, 59401.