FITZGERALD, Leona Claire (August 27, 1929 - April 10, 2010)

Leona Claire Fitzgerald passed away with her loving family at her side on Saturday April 10, 2010, in her 81st year, after enduring an extremely courageous battle with cancer at home and finally at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), Palliative Care Unit. Leona will be mourned deeply, missed by many, and loved forever! Beloved and wonderful wife to Donald Fitzgerald. Loving mother of Anne Marie (Chris) Reath of Belleville; Kevin (Jody), Sean (Kelly), and Richard Fitzgerald all of Peterborough. Cherished Nana to Amanda and
Mitchell Reath; Connor, Jillian and Hadley Fitzgerald; and Andrew Leach. Dear sister of Ken O'Reilly, and lovingly remembered by sisters-in-law Pat O'Reilly, Joan Fitzgerald, Jean McRae and Colleen Davies; and brothers-in-law Dunc McRae and Al Davies. Pre-deceased by her parents, Leo and Madeleine O'Reilly; brother Terry O'Reilly; infant son Leo Fitzgerald; sister-in-law Reta Fitzgerald: and brothers-in-law Hugh and Vince Fitzgerald. Leona is a Retired Registered Nurse (RN) from St. Joseph's Hospital, Class of 1951 St. Joseph's School of Nursing.

Leona, or more well known as "momma" or "nana", will be remembered for her unconditional love, strength, courage, humility, sense of humour and faith. Leona loved the outdoors, especially summer months spent at the cottage filled with family, friends and friends of friends. Leona welcomed anyone and everyone into her life and would selflessly offer her support, kindness and generosity to those who met her during her journey. She will be deeply missed but has inspired many to attempt to follow in her footsteps. The Fitzgerald and Reath Family would like to extend special thanks to the Palliative Care Team from the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) and the Cancer Team from the Lakeridge Health, R.S McLaughlin Durham Regional Health Centre.

Visitation at DUFFUS FUNERAL HOME, 431 George Street South on Wednesday, April 14 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral Mass at IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH on Thursday, April 15 at 11 a.m. Private family interment following the mass at St. Peter's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. On-line condolences can be made at www.duffusfuneralhome.com