Mariann Theresa Fitzgerald

Mariann Theresa Fitzgerald (nee Stilwell), an only child of Theresa and Bill Stilwell, was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 31, 1935, as part of an extended Irish Catholic family and community filled with cousins and music. Mariann was a good student and attended Webster College, meeting her lifelong friends Aimee Thompson and Shannon Kelly. Mariann met her beloved husband Robert (Bob) Fitzgerald, also a Chicago Irishman, in the 1950s and they remained happily married for 69 years. Mariann and Bob toured the United States together early in their marriage and soon thereafter raised 4 children of their own while Mariann continued to work as an Administrative Assistant (what used to be called a secretary) to executives in banks, insurance companies and for their successful family business, Selectra.

A funeral mass will be held on June 25th, 2025 at 11:00AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Pulaski, TN

Mariann was an excellent cook. She loved dancing, music (especially opera), travel, books, and nature, which is fortunate since Mariann and her husband Bob operated a tree farm and later a B&B in nature-filled rural areas for much of their married life. Most of all, Mariann loved people. A devout Catholic and member of the Catholic Family Movement, Mariann and Bob opened their home to needy youth including fostering Henry Gaunard, a Cuban refugee. Henry and his lovely wife Dorothy have remained close to Mariann and family and were loved dearly by Mariann. When she was able, Mariann delivered communion to those unable to attend Church, an activity she found deeply rewarding.

Mariann, at the age of 89, died peacefully at the Pulaski, Tennessee home she shared with her daughter (Shannon) and son-in-law (Greg), on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025. She is survived by her husband Robert and daughters Shannon and Kathleen, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, who she loved dearly and was loved in return. She was preceded in death by sons Patrick and Michael. She will be missed by all those who knew her.

Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements for Mariann Theresa Fitzgerald.