Mary Elizabeth FitzGerald, 96 of Indianapolis, departed this life January 8, 2024. She was born December 25, 1927 in San Antonio, TX to the late S. Arthur and Ellen (Lawless) Shaw. Mary Elizabeth was a graduate of Webster Groves High School in St. Louis, Missouri and earned a degree in sociology from Webster College also in St. Louis, Missouri.
She had worked as a social worker for American Red Cross at Lackland Air Force Base. Mary was a longtime member of St. Luke Catholic Church and their Faith Sharing Group. She had also volunteered as a Physical Education Teacher at St. Luke’s. Mary was also a member of the Indianapolis Proctor Club and enjoyed being a “Towel Flipper” at the Riviera Club.
Mary Elizabeth was a kind and gentle soul who enjoyed water aerobics, and loved to travel and experience different cultures. At home, she relaxed by reading and gardening, and enjoyed following her beloved St. Louis Cardinals, Purdue and Butler Basketball, and her Indianapolis Colts.
Mary Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Dr. Joseph FitzGerald and brothers Jack and Bill Shaw. Survivors include her sister-in law, Peggy Shaw; eight children; 24 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and dozens of nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Mary Elizabeth will be from 4-6 pm on Friday, January 19th at Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 12:00pm on Saturday, January 20th at St. Luke Catholic Church (7575 Holliday Drive in Indianapolis). Interment follows at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery (9001 Haverstick Road, Indianapolis).
In lieu of flowers, her family request donations be made to one of Mary Elizabeth’s favorite charities:
Providence Cristo Rey High School at 2717 South East Street Indianapolis, IN 46225 or to Doctors Without Borders at P.O Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030
Online condolences available at www.leppertmortuary.com.
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