Theodosia (Warren) Fitzgerald 1839-1910

FITZGERALD, WARREN, STRETTON, FLYNN, WALSH, NOLAN, KERWICK

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 8/31/2010 at 12:09:13

The Palo Alto Tribune
Emmetsburg, Iowa
19 Jan 1910
Page 3

Mrs. James Fitzgerald

Mrs. James Fitzgerald died at her home in this city at 12:30 Sunday night. Her last illness was of but a few days duration though she has been ailing for several years and age had rendered her feeble and infirm.

The funeral services will be held at Assumption church at 10 o'clock to-day and the body interred in the family lot in St. John cemetery beside that of her husband, who died about ten years ago.

Miss Theodosia Warren was born in Cheshire, England on April 11, 1839. When a young woman she went to Australia where she was united in marriage to Henry W. Stretten. To this union a son and daughter were born. Both died with diphtheria when very young. Shortly after Mr. Stretten died also. His wife came to America and straight to this county in the year 1869. In October of the same year she was married to James Fitzgerald whom she had known in Australia. For years they were engaged in business here. At one time they kept a general store. They were shrewd and economical and accumulated considerable property though they were always most charitable. Since Mr. Fitzgerald's death she has resided here.

About as far back as our memory will go we remember Mrs. Fitzgerald as a neighbor, and as one of the very best of neighbors. She was always kind and thoughtful. She could not do too much for any one who was ill or needy and no personal sacrifice was too great for her if it meant comfort or consolation to another. She was decidedly charitable and bore no malice toward any one. She could return good for evil and any worldly difference between her and another was immediately set aside if she found that she could be of service. During the course of her life she raised and provided a good home for four different children. Two of these children died in Australia before she came to America. One Anna Flynn, who was left motherless when an infant, was adopted by Mrs. Fitzgerald and raised to young womanhood. She was given an excellent home and every educational advantage that the town could afford and was indulged and loved as a daughter. Some years ago she became a sister of charity. Later Mrs. Fitzgerald took another girl, Miss Theresa Walsh, of Chicago and provided her with home comforts and educational advantages. She proudly watched the growth and development of this little one who as she grew reciprocated the kindnesses shown her by tender care and devotion which she bestowed upon her foster mother during the frailty of later years. Truly this good woman has reward awaiting her for a long and serviceable life. No life should be judged by the few declining years of old age but by its record during the active years of life, and those who have known this woman for the past twenty-five or thirty years will all give evidence that she was among the very good women of the world. Only a few days ago we heard her complimented by the venerable pastor of her church for the excellent service she had rendered in helping to secure funds for the erection of church and school. None other, he said, that he could recall, had done so much in this line as she. She leaves no immediate relatives and the heart that will be wrapped in greatest sorrow, no doubt, is that of the young lady who has recently grown up in her home and who has been her companion and main stay during recent years. To her especially do we extend sincere sympathy.

The Democrat
Emmetsburg, Iowa
19 Jan 1910
Page 5

Mrs. Jas. Fitzgerald Dead

Passed Away Suddenly Last Sunday Night.

Monday morning our citizens were pained to learn that Mrs. Theodosia Fitzgerald had died during the night. The announcement was a sad surprise to all, as she had not been ill. She was about the house as usual on Sunday and ate her meals, but at times talked rather thoughtlessly. At 10 o'clock she retired. She heard some noise at the door half an hour later and arose but retired again. Miss Theresa awoke about eleven and went to her mother's room and found her setting on the side of the bed. She seemed to have a sort of a smothering spell. The neighbors and Dr. O'Brien were summoned. At first she was not considered in a dangerous condition, but later she took a sudden spell, and in a few moments passed away. The funeral will be held this morning at 10 o'clock. There will be a requiem high mass at Assumption church. The interment will be in St. John's cemetery.

Theodosia Warren was born in Cheshire, England, April 11, 1839. At an early age she went to Australia. She was marred in that country some time later to Henry Stretten. Two children were born to them, a boy and a girl. Both died when young. Mr. Stretten also passed away some time later. Mrs. Stretten came to the United States some time after and made her home in Emmetsburg, then the old town on the Des Moines river. She was married to James Fitzgerald in October, 1869. They had no family. Mr. Fitzgerald died about eleven years ago. Mrs. Fitzgerald lived continuously in Emmetsburg since coming to the county. There are two adopted daughters -- Sister Mary Placentia of Ft. Dodge and Miss Theresa Fitzgerald, who is still at home.

Mrs. Fitzgerald was a most earnest and dutiful woman. She was at all times a tireless worker and, though advanced in years, she was always busy. She was kind and compassionate and was a most obliging neighbor. She was an ardent Catholic. She was most attentive in the practice of her religious obligations. She adopted a small girl number of years ago and educated her. The young lady has since become one of the most active and successful members of the Sisters of Charity in Iowa. Later Mrs. Fitzgerald took another small girl and gave her the best of advantages and all the care and attention that a mother could bestow upon her own child. This young lady will soon graduate from St. Mary Academy and already ranks among the leading musicians of our county. Such consideration, such sacrifices for others is substantial evidence of a spirit that is admirable and truly Christian. What a blessing it would be to society were there hundreds of men and women in every large community who would, like her, be willing to toil for the intellectual and moral welfare of those who have not the opportunities it would be best for them to enjoy. Such people need no tributes from the pens of others. They require no monuments to bear testimony to their worth to society. The good deeds of Mrs. Fitzgerald will survive long after the passing of the present and future generations.

The Democrat
Emmetsburg, Iowa
26 Jan 1910
Page 3

Several Substantially Remembered.

The will of the late Mrs. Theodosia Fitzgerald was opened and read Wednesday evening. Sister Mary Placentia, of Ft. Dodge, receives $2,500 in life insurance, Miss Theresa Fitzgerald a house and lots southeast of the Geo. B. McCarty residence, Cornelius Nolan of Ruthven the T. L. & J. P. Crose store building and lot, T. F. Kerwick the building and lot just south of it and Miss Nell M. Kerwick the entire block and two houses on which the deceased made her home. The recipients have reason to remember her with gratitude.