Ellen Marie Fitzgibbons (née Gernand) passed away on April 24, 2014 at home in Colorado Springs with her husband and daughter at her side. Ellen was born on September 25, 1948 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to William and Betty Jean Gernand (née Mougin). She attended South Side High School and graduated from Purdue University with a nursing degree. She moved to Colorado Springs in 1979.
On July 23, 1982, she married Michael Fitzgibbons, whom she met while working at Brady Hospital. Her family celebrates a lifetime of service shown through her work as a Registered Nurse at hospitals, nursing homes, and in the insurance sector, as well as through her loving care of her family and friends and numerous volunteer activities (including altar guild, food pantry, blood pressure clinics, and more). She was also skilled at crafts, particularly knitting, needlework, and quilting. Her beautiful quilts and scarves will continue to keep her family warm although we miss her deeply.
Her strong spirit, compassionate heart, and true faith will always be remembered.
She is survived by her loving husband Michael Fitzgibbons; daughter Megan Anne Fitzgibbons (husband Yusuke) of Perth, Australia; son Matthew Michael Fitzgibbons (wife Yumiko) of Nagoya, Japan; father William Gernand of Florence, CO; two sisters: Linda (Michael) Tussing of Colorado Springs; Norma (James) Kurmis of Rochester, NY; two brothers: Frederick (Joyce) Gernand of Ft. Wayne, IN; Joseph (Patricia) Gernand of League City, TX; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and many dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother Betty Jean Gernand, and now they are together in the heavenly choir.
--My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. (John 10: 27, 28)
Funeral services will be held at 11am on Friday, May 2 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 4125 Constitution Avenue, Colorado Springs.
Ellen requested that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bread of Life Food Pantry (send checks to Holy Cross Lutheran Church http://www.holycrosscs.org/).
Online condolences at http://www.cappadonafh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I am really sorry that Aunt Ellen passed away, but relieved that she is no longer in pain and in a better place.
Chris Massa
May 5, 2014
I was so very sad to learn of your loss, Mike. Wishing you and your family strength and comfort while you walk through this difficult time.
Julie Olson
May 2, 2014
Ellen has joined the Church Triumphant. My deepest sympathy & prayers for God's peace and comfort for you all.
Gabrielle Brown
May 1, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time. May happy memories comfort you during the upcoming days.
Cindy Penchoff
April 30, 2014
Mike and family~ so very sorry for the loss of your loved one, Elaine. May you find great comfort in your loving memories of her. Sent with our sympathies, Theresa and Rick Marshall
April 30, 2014
I worked with Ellen years ago at Brady's. She was a lovely woman, a wonderful nurse, and kind friend. I am so sorry for your loss.
Connie Michaels-Lipp
April 29, 2014
We are so sorry to hear of Ellen's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May His strength and peace surround you all.
Shirley and Bernie Mullins
April 28, 2014
I will miss your beautiful and kind heart! Your faith shined in you and you were a true testament to our Lord. Thank you for shining in our lives! You will be truly missed.
Vicki Breaux
April 28, 2014
Dear Megan and family,
I am thinking of you and am so sorry. Sending hugs and peace.
Julie Jones, Montreal
April 28, 2014
My life was better by knowing Ellen. She taught me so much. She will be greatly missed. Prayers are with you Mike and family.
Deb Goodman
April 28, 2014
Ellen's presence made world is a better place and it is a sadder one in her absence. A lovely, wonderful, thoughtful caring person who will be missed by all who knew her. Love to you, Michael, and your children. May you find comfort in your memories and peace in your own time.
Stephanie Stevenson
April 27, 2014
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. We will always remember Ellen's kind heart. Our hearts are with you.
Steve & Annie Fitzgibbons
April 27, 2014
Ellen your strength is our example to face the rest of our lives without you. ...sweet sleep dear sister...
Linda Tussing
April 27, 2014
Mike, I'm sorry for your loss and all you and Ellen suffered. God bless you.
Jenine Ebersohl
April 27, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mike. Ellen was our dear friend.
Gil Rogers
April 27, 2014
So many are going to miss Ellen. Such a sweet, kind friend to many. Thoughts and prayers are with you Mike and all your family. We have an eternal reunion to look forward to. God bless you all with His love and peace.
Marlys Rustman
April 27, 2014
I'm very Sorry to hear of your loss. But remember your memory of her will last your lifetime.
Brad Wardwell
April 27, 2014
Dear Mike, I'm so sorry to hear of Ellen's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Vivian Elliott
April 27, 2014
Mike so very sorry to here of your loss our thoughts are with you . Tom & Denise Grikstas
April 27, 2014
I am truly blessed to have been able to get to know you these past couple years. Thank you for your friendship Ellen.
Gigi morley
April 27, 2014
I will always love you and already miss you terribly.
Mike Fitzgibbons
April 27, 2014
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