Margaret Ann Fitzgerald, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 78 on September 5, 2024, in her hometown of Chicago, Illinois, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on June 15, 1946, to William and Eleanor Fitzgerald, Margaret grew up in a close-knit family where she learned the values of kindness, compassion, and hard work. She was a proud graduate of Northwestern University, where she earned a degree in education. Margaret dedicated her life to teaching and nurturing young minds as an elementary school teacher in the Chicago Public Schools for over 35 years.

Margaret had an extraordinary ability to connect with children, fostering a love for learning that shaped the lives of thousands of students. Her classroom was a place of creativity, laughter, and encouragement, and her impact was felt long after her students moved on. She received numerous awards throughout her career, including Teacher of the Year in 1995, a testament to her commitment to education.

Outside the classroom, Margaret was known for her love of gardening and her beautiful flower beds, which brought joy to all who passed by her home. She was also an active member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church community, where she volunteered her time with the outreach program, helping those in need. Her unwavering faith and dedication to service were an inspiration to everyone who knew her.

Margaret is survived by her three children, Jennifer Owens (Michael), Andrew Fitzgerald (Rebecca), and Susan Price (Mark); her six grandchildren, Olivia, Jack, Ethan, Sophie, Ella, and Hannah; and her sister, Patricia O’Hara. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Michael Fitzgerald.

A funeral mass will be held in Margaret’s honor on Friday, September 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Chicago, Illinois. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to a reception at the church hall immediately after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Margaret’s name, as this cause was dear to her heart.

Margaret will be remembered for her generous spirit, her love of family, and her commitment to making the world a brighter place, one student at a time.