Mabelle (Mickey) Louise Walker Fitzgerald

Our dear Mom, Sister, Aunt, Grandma and Friend has passed away unexpectedly and much too soon.

Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Mickey would agree she was the most vibrant, kind, gracious woman ever. She shared her beautiful smile with everyone she encountered. Mickey never had an unkind word to say about anyone, always found the good in people even if she had to look pretty deep. She embraced everyone she met.

Born to George and Mayno Walker, Mabelle (Mickey) Walker Fitzgerald's wonderful life began on January 6th, 1942 in Los Angeles California.
Mickey’s family left California to return to the Panama Canal Zone in 1948 where she grew up in Cocoli. In Cocoli, Mickey developed many lifelong friendships and a love of horses.
After graduating from Balboa High School in 1959, Mickey Walker attended Potomac State College in Keyser, West By God Virginia, where she met and married Martin Francis Fitzgerald and started a family. Martin’s military career moved the family throughout the US and to Heidelberg, Germany, her most beloved duty station.
During Martin’s Vietnam tours, Mickey and her children (Frank, Kathleen, and Patrick) returned to the Canal Zone to be with her family and friends.

The Fitzgeralds left the Canal Zone in 1973 and settled in New Smyrna Beach, FL. Mickey stayed busy working full time, raising her family and welcoming each new friend the kids brought home from school. She hauled many kids around to various sports and band activities, piling them in to the Ford Country Squire station wagon. Years passed, the kids and classmates became adults. She was always so flattered to hear her name called out in a store or restaurant, turning to see a kid all grown up but still remembering "Mrs. Fitzgerald" from their childhood years.
Mickey worked for Hogel & Vogt/Bennett Woodward & Associates CPA for 35 years. The co-workers and many clients became her "daytime family" as they watched each other's families grow throgh the years.

After retirement, she made many new friends while volunteering at the Edgewater United Methodist Food Pantry and with the local TNR program to improve the lives of homeless cats. She was a champion for the underserved whether it be a person or or animal.
Mickey's social life was full of activities and friends. She enjoyed traveling with Royal Coach, participating in the Senior Games, exercise groups and and playing Mexican Train with a lovely group of friends.

Mickey worked tirelessly with the Panama Canal Society, in conjunction with the Panama Canal Museum at the University of Florida, to preserve the history and memories of life in the Canal Zone.
Mickey loved traveling to visit family and explore new places throughout the US, Central America, and Europe. Mickey was always planning the next great adventure with the MJC Club (Mickey, Jeanne, Carole) with her beloved sisters.

Mom taught us to look for beauty and to be kind, she taught us to forgive (but not overlook) unkindness. Mom gave us guidance, gave us permission to make mistakes, learn from those mistakes and decide what to do differently. Mom was our cheerleader, our shoulder to lean on, Mom was always whatever we needed her to be.

Grandma Mickey always made time together special. She loved spending holiday times with granddaughter Cassondra and husband James and their great big families. She loved the great-grands Camden and Nolynn coming for visits. Camden and Nolynn could always count on a sweet treat, Stavros's pizza or just a fun time in the pool. It was a big day when they passed Grandma's swim test, earning them access to the deep end of the pool! Grandma loved getting updates from Michael as his career in aviation maintenance progressed. Grandma put her full trust in Michael to get her safely through rough terrain in a Can Am Defender to reach Patrick's remote cabin site in Talkeetna, Alaska. 81 years old, 4-wheeling through the Alaskan wilderness! Grandma had bonus time with granddaughter Stephanie (and grand-pup Murphy) when Stephanie moved to Florida, living at Grandma's, while she pursued her education at Daytona State College. Stephanie and Murphy brought youthful enthusiasm (and tech support!) into Grandma’s home.
Big Sister Mickey was a most generous, kind soul. As the oldest of the group, Mickey was bossy, but in a gentle way. Mickey was the leader, planner, negotiator and at times instigator. Mickey excelled at planning the MJC (Mickey, Jeanne, Carole) adventures, Mickey loved solving logistics and making every moment of each trip count. We are better women because of our sister's love and guidance.

We are all suffering a great loss but are so thankful to have had Mom, Mickey, Grandma as a positive force and guiding light in our lives. 
Mickey is preceded in death by her husband Martin, son Frank, parents George and Mayno, and brother Fred.

Left to cherish her wonderful memory are daughter Kathleen, son Patrick and wife Michele, grandchildren Cassondra (James), Stephanie, and Michael, great grandchildren Camden and Nolynn, sisters Jeanne and Carole, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Extra special in Mickey's heart are the many wonderful friends in the neighborhood of Tara Trail.

A Celebration of Mickey's Wonderful Life will be held Saturday December 9th from 2 -4 pm at the New Smyrna Beach Garden Club, 2000 Turnbull Bay Road, New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32168.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Southeast Volusia Humane Society, Southeastern Guide Dogs, or the Second Harvest Food Bank.

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