Anita Myril Fitzgerald

Anita Myril (Roberson) Fitzgerald of Arlington Texas, born March 7, 1928, peacefully went to her heavenly home on Sunday, March 14, 2021, in her apartment at the Isle of Watercrest, Mansfield, TX. She is joining her husband, Harold Fitzgerald; son, Gary Fitzgerald; grandson, Kaleb Fitzgerald; siblings, James Roberson and Christine Tomlin; parents, Gladys and Earl Roberson. Survivors include daughter, Cari F. Cook and husband Jim Cook; granddaughter, Ashley F. Watson and husband Brandon Watson; sister, Wanda Marshall.

For the past nine years she had struggled with chronic pain from a knee surgery. She was fighting off an infection, which ultimately caused seizures and her quality of life to decrease. Per her wishes, her family moved her back to her apartment at The Isle of Watercrest in Mansfield. While under hospice care during her last days, she received top-notched attention and care. We find peace knowing she is no longer in pain.

Anita, “Maw Maw” touched the hearts of every person she met with her wisdom and kindness. At times described as “intimidating”, with her sharp business mind and life experiences, she always softened. She always was (still is) the best dressed lady in the room. Her elegance and stature drew you towards her, which explains why she caught the eye of her late husband, Harold Thomas Fitzgerald (1925 – 1997), when they were in grade school. They were married in 1945, while on his leave from the Navy during World War II. They lived in Florida during his time in the Navy. After his discharge, in 1946, they found their roots back home in Arlington, Texas, where they started a family, Cari Ann (Fitzgerald) Cook, daughter, and Gary Thomas Fitzgerald, son (deceased). They also started several commercial real estate companies including Fitzgerald Homes, Inc., Fitzgerald Properties, Inc, and A. Fitzgerald Properties, LTD developing, investing, building and managing multiple commercial and residential real estate properties in the heart of Arlington. Being described by her peers as, “the best businesswomen” in town.

They were married for 52 years until his passing in 1997. She would always say “Why would I want to re-marry when I have already met the love of my life.” She continued to manage the commercial properties for 16 years after Harold’s death until it was time to retire. “Retire” wasn’t a word Anita was familiar with, in her retirement she volunteered for multiple organizations. She served as President of Bailey Jr. High PTA 1968 – 1970, President of Zonta International – Metroplex Club, Co-Founder of Metroplex Chapter of the Red Hats Society (an organization for fun and friendship after fifty) and President of the Arlington Southwest Kiwanis Club. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta and the Arlington High School Alumni Association. She was honored in 2008 with the Kiwanian of the Year Award. She loved hosting and being with all of her ladies.

The opportunity to sit and chat with Anita was a treat! Don’t let her façade fool you, she was really a farm girl and tougher than nails. In her lifetime she had experienced A LOT and loved to share her wisdom and stories about the world. In her spare time, she enjoyed needle point, cross stitch, quilting, embroidering, gardening, and hosting her annual Christmas party for family and friends. In her later years she enjoyed the Hallmark channel, especially at Christmas, watching episodes over and over!

Most of all she enjoyed travel with her family and husband. Harold and Anita traveled to many amazing places and always made new friends that continued their friendship throughout the years. Another highlight for them was attending the Johnnie High Country Music Review. They started attending the Saturday concerts when they were held in the school auditorium in Fort Worth. For many years they continued attending concerts and traveling on trips with the other Johnnie High “groupies”. When Harold passed away, Anita recruited many friends to join her every Saturday night … they were VIP’s right up on the second row, so they could see when the boys would sing to them.

Undoubtably, heaven gained another angel. We all know Anita was welcomed into the Lord’s arms looking her best (hair done, lipstick and jewelry on!). Her family takes comfort knowing she has been reunited with Harold and her loved ones.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Anita Fitzgerald’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at St.Jude.org/ways to give/send memorial card. Please send cards to Anita Fitzgerald Memorial, P.O. Box 728, Colleyville TX 76034 or E-mail Cari Cook- [email protected].

For safety of all in attendance the family request that masks be worn.