Mary Ann Beatrice Fitzgerald, beloved mother, grandmother

Mary Ann Beatrice Fitzgerald, 92, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, after a brief illness. Born Oct. 8, 1932, in Plainfield, N.J., Mary Ann was the daughter of Frank and Gertrude Vockel. She graduated from Plainfield High School and went on to build a dedicated career as a purchasing clerk.

She married the love of her life, Walter Fitzgerald, Nov. 1, 1952, and together they built a family rooted in love, faith, and resilience. Mary Ann was a woman of many passions; she found joy in reading, crocheting, planting flowers, spending time at the beach, and staying connected with friends and family on Facebook.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter Fitzgerald; her daughter, Heidi Shafer; and her parents, Frank and Gertrude Vockel.

Mary Ann is survived by her children, Patricia Hetrick (Harry), Gary Fitzgerald (Kathy) and Caroline Harrison (Ken); and her cherished grandchildren, Tracy, Melissa, Michael, Ryan, Megan, Eric, Corey, Brett, Jared, Daniel, Erin and Lindsay. She also leaves behind 17 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way—each of whom brought immense joy to her later years.

A viewing will be held at 9 a.m., Monday, Sept. 8, at Silverton Memorial Funeral Home, 2482 Church Road, Toms River, N.J. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., at St. Luke’s Roman Catholic Church, 1674 Old Freehold Road, Toms River. Burial will follow at Ocean County Memorial Park, Toms River.

Mary Ann’s legacy of kindness, warmth, and unwavering love for her family will be forever remembered.

Visit Mary Ann's Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.