Patricia Fitterer

Patricia “Pat” A. Fitterer (née Mahoney), age 85, passed away on September 29, 2024 at her home in Stockbridge, GA. Pat was born on December 4, 1938 to Barbara Ann Mahoney of Pittsburgh, PA. An only child, Pat spent her youth in the company of many aunts, uncles, and cousins who were not only family, but also lifelong friends. At the age of 15, Pat moved with her mother to Miami Beach, FL where she attended Miami Edison Senior High School (Class of 1957). At Edison, she was a member of the Civinette Club and met Geraldine “Gerry” Butera (Cunningham)—Gerry and Pat became the best of friends and remained so throughout Pat’s life, enjoying many adventures together.

In one such adventure, Pat and Gerry attended a dance at South Florida’s Homestead Air Force Base. There she met a handsome young airman—Donald “Don” Fitterer. The two fell in love and were married in September of 1958. Settling in the Miami Shores neighborhood, Don retired from the Air Force and took a job with National Airlines while Pat worked at North Shore Medical Center as Supervisor of the Cashiers’ Office for 35 years. In 1961, Pat gave birth to a son, Richard (“Rick”) followed by a daughter, Barbara (“Barb”) six years later. Don’s job with the airlines allowed them to travel the country and, at times, abroad. These trips, along with many parties, holidays, sports matches, and church events at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church led to indelible moments with friends and family. Pat was a carpool leader, den mother, and perennial volunteer at the parish carnival. She cheered on Barb as she rose the ranks in Florida youth tennis and opened the Fitterer home to visiting international players during the annual Orange Bowl Tournament.

During the rest of her time living in Miami, Pat saw both of her children graduate college and begin families of their own. In 1994, Don’s work took the couple, along with Barb and her new husband Doug, to Stockbridge, a suburb of Atlanta, GA. There, Pat enjoyed retirement surrounded by a bustling home of grandchildren: Jordan & Cameron (who visited regularly each and every summer), and Shannon & Patrick (who lived with Pat throughout her life). To her grandsons, Pat was lovingly known as “Nana” and could always be counted on for a big hug, kiss, and plateful of cookies. In 2016, she proudly became a “Grand-Nana” to great-granddaughter Emerson.

Upon moving to Stockbridge, Pat also supported Barb and Doug in opening Doug’s restaurant, Pasta Max Cafe. Over the restaurant’s 30 years (and counting), many a patron had the joy of seeing Pat lending a smile at the register, handing out a menu, or fixing an unsweet tea (to go!).

In Don’s later years, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and struggled with its symptoms for some time. Until his passing in 2018, Pat stood by his side with love and devotion for which he is eternally grateful.

Pat was selfless, adventurous, confident, and loved to laugh. She was cheerful in life’s ups and remained steadfast in its’ downs. She loved traveling, the beach, a good tomato, and falling asleep to The Tonight Show. But above all, she cherished the company of her friends and family, whom she loved fiercely and who will miss her dearly while holding onto her in their hearts—

Pat is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Don; her aunts and uncles, including her beloved aunt Bernice Schardt (née Moran); her cousin Andy Nyman; and close friends, including Donna Nyman and Ty & Betty Faulkner.

Pat is survived by her children Rick (Jerri) of Miami, FL and Barb Fitterer-Zitz (Douglas) of Stockbridge, GA; grandsons Jordan McBroom (Katherine) of Winston-Salem, NC, Cameron McBroom-Fitterer of New York, NY, and Shannon & Patrick Zitz of Stockbridge, GA; a great-granddaughter, Emerson McBroom; cousins and dear friends LaVerne Evans (Richard) and Kevin (Diane) & Cyndi Schardt; and many other friends, including lifelong friends Gerry & Dave Cunningham.

A visitation for Patricia will be Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Haisten Funerals & Cremations, 1745 Zack Hinton Parkway, McDonough, GA 30253, followed by a celebration of life at 3:00 PM.

The Fitterer family will open Pat’s favorite restaurant, Pasta Max Café to receive family and friends post service. All are welcome.

Pasta Max Café (on the McDonough Square)

50 Griffin Street

McDonough, Ga. 30253