Ardean Fitzgerald

Forever loving, Dee Fitzgerald gave her all, and then some. By far her greatest joy was found in the family she dearly loved. Dee was a determined, hard working woman who liked nice things, yet was content with what she had. She enjoyed playing the slots to find a little luck now and again, and thoroughly loved her bingo friends, crafts, lighthouses, playing the Lottery, and puzzles. It was the simple things in life that Dee enjoyed which filled her heart with happiness. The end of World War II was a time of great celebration from coast to coast. As young servicemen came home to marry their sweethearts, the baby boom was officially off and running. New families were moving into newly developed suburbs in droves, and U.S. manufacturers quickly turned at-war production into post-war innovations to meet heightened demand for household and consumer goods. By 1946, the assembly line and the 40 hour work week brought much stability to the nation after years of repression during the Great Depression, and the travesties of war. It was now time to begin anew with hopes and dreams for the future. This was especially true for William and Evelyn (Bigelow) Szendre when on August 4, 1946 they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Ardean Dee Louise into their arms. Born and raised in the Michigan city of Muskegon along the shores of Lake Michigan, Dee was one of eight children in her bustling household. She grew up alongside her sisters, Mary Ellen, Shirley, Karen and Janet, along with her brothers, Gene, Rick and Tom. The Szendre family made their home on the north side of Muskegon where Dee enjoyed a childhood typical of the times. She attended Reeths Puffer Schools, and always an outgoing girl, she was a friend to many. Enjoyable times were spent taking in summer days at the beach, and family picnics brought fun-filled times. While in her late teens, Dee met Lloyd Fitzgerald, the young man who would always have a special place in her heart. After dating for a time and falling in love, they were joined in marriage on September 17, 1966. Through the years Dee and Lloyd were abundantly blessed with the addition of seven children. Her six daughters, Diane, Betty, Shelly, Annette, Christina and Pamela, and her son, William meant everything to Dee. When her children were small, they attended Wood Street Methodist Church as a family. Dee made a good home for Lloyd and the kids. She remained home as a homemaker, but from time to time she took on various factory jobs to help make ends meet. Dee was a determined worker, and put her all into everything she did. During the summers she often took the kids blueberry picking to earn the money needed to pay for her children's school clothes. She didnt always have a car, and quite often walked from home to the blueberry fields. She would also walk to the store to get the things her family needed, and always with her children in tow. Although money was tight and they may not have had many extravagances, Dee was thankful for the roof over their heads. No one ever went hungry in Dee's home where everyone was welcome. With her caring and giving nature, at times there would be up to 15 people living in her house. For many years, Dee delighted working with Lloyd in their large garden growing cucumbers and tomatoes. She also loved playing bingo. In fact, she even worked as a bingo caller at several halls around Muskegon including Johnson Hall, Select Auditorium, and Roberts Hall. Whenever she had the opportunity, Dee liked to gamble a bit. She especially liked heading up to the Little River Casino in Manistee. She had her own method for playing the slot machines, and won her fair share of jackpots. In her free time, Dee liked doing arts and crafts. She was fond of making latch hook rugs of lighthouses, many of which were patterns she designed herself. Dee was a fun-loving woman who loved having a good time and laughing. A good joke or reminiscing about days gone by could always stir up a good laugh, particularly when surrounded by those she loved. It was a joy to share Dee's company with her lighthearted ways, and endless smiles. She liked singing karaoke, and on New Years Eve she was known for getting out the pots and pans and making all sorts of noise from her front porch to ring in the New Year. Even though Dee and Lloyd had their ups and downs through the years, they truly loved one another. They actually divorced at one point, but remained soul mates forever. Dee loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. Through the years wonderful memories were created celebrating the holidays, enjoying birthdays, and many other fun and enjoyable times together. When it came to her grandchildren, Dee relished spending time with them. Whenever they were together, there was sure to be a jigsaw puzzle to work on. Over the last year, Dee was unfortunately diagnosed with small cell carcinoma. Throughout her fight, she always kept a great attitude, and fought the disease with all her might. She never gave up, but sadly, she lost her battle while surrounded by the love of her family. Dee was a determined woman who gave her all. She was hardworking, and did her best for the family she adored. Dee didn't place value in material things, but counted her blessings in all she had. Gone but never to be forgotten, she will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her. Mrs. Ardean Louise "Dee" Fitzgerald, age 68, passed away Monday, March 9, 2015. SURVIVORS: her son, William (Rebecca) Fitzgerald; six daughters, Diane Tennison, Betty (Steve) Bennett, Shelly (Elliott) Richmond, Annette (Tony) Carr, Christina (Mark) Anderson, Pamela (Mike) Armstrong; her brother, Willard Szsndre; three sisters, Karen Rasmussen, Janet Dexter, Mary Ellen (Bill) Ogren; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her soulmate, Lloyd; one sister, two brothers and by two grandchildren. SERVICE: Friday, March 13, 2015, 2:00 pm with visitation one hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. Interment in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. To share a favorite memory or photo of Dee and to sign her online guest book, please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com.