FITZPATRICK - Joan Marie (Ritzenhein) Fitzpatrick, age 79, of Sparta, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, July 10, 2017. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Gerard and Mary Louise Ritzenhein; sister, Janeen Mourer; daughter-in-law, Jean Fitzpatrick and brother-in-law, Bob Nye. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Donald Joseph Fitzpatrick; children, Gerard and Karen Fitzpatrick, Cathleen and Joseph Tallman, Daniel Fitzpatrick and David and Darla Fitzpatrick; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; siblings, Jim (Judy) Ritzenhein, Pat (Ron) Umlor, Mary Ritzenhein, Virginia Flannigan, Margaret (Mike) Bitely, Jerry (Marcia) Ritzenhein and Barb (Randy) Johnson; in-laws, Ed and Paulette Fitzpatrick; aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. Joan was a lifetime member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Sparta. She enjoyed cake decorating, making several cakes for family, weddings and many others. Crafting and Swedish Weaving was something Joan enjoyed doing, and selling crafts at the church annual bazaar. She volunteer for many years at Mercy Health St. Mary's Hospital, at the front desk. Joan was a member of the Thornapple Valley Dulcimer Society Club, where she preformed music with Don in Nashville, MI. Don and Joan enjoyed 25 years of warm winters in Arizona. Joan had a grand ole time living life and was a very caring mother and loving grandmother to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family will greet family and friends at Holy Family Catholic Church, 425 South State Street, Sparta on Friday, July 14, 2017 with a Rosary Service at 9:30 a.m., with Deacon Larry Hoogeboom and visitation following. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Father Melvin Fox, as celebrant. Private Inurnment will be held in Holy Cross Cemetery. In memory of Joan, please consider making memorial contributions to Meadowlark Retirement Village, 65 Ida Red Avenue, Sparta, MI. 49345 and Emmanuel Hospice. Visitation
July 14, 2017 9:30am - 11:00am,
Holy Family Catholic Church
425 South State Street Sparta, MI 49345
Service Information
July 14, 2017 11:00am,
Holy Family Catholic Church
425 South State Street Sparta, MI 49345
Interment Location
Holy Cross Cemetery
2000 Walker Ave Grand Rapids, MI 49504
