Diana Lee Fitzgerald

Diana Lee Fitzgerald, 80, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026 at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, surrounded by the love of her closest family members.

Born on December 5, 1945 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she was the child of Arthur and Bernice Foltz.

Diana graduated from Purdue University and went on to work as a retail professional for Marshall Field’s, Carson’s, JCPenny, and Gimbels in Indiana and Wisconsin, and later as an insurance agent at Fringe Benefits in Gainesville. Her most significant vocation, however, was as homemaker, caretaker, and mother especially during her children’s young years. Diana was known for her quick wit, Gator spirit, card playing (especially Sheepshead and Bridge), and a sharp attention to detail. Diana loved her family fiercely, and her grandchildren were the joy of her later years.

She was extremely active as a member of Holy Faith Catholic Church for around 50 years, which is also where she met her now-husband 23 years ago. She filled multiple roles starting in the choir, then as a lector, and later helped instruct new lectors. She also served as a eucharistic minister until her health didn’t allow it. As a founding member of Holy Faith, Diana played a pivotal role with the church, and, in turn, the church was the center of her life.

Diana will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 11 years, Patrick Fitzgerald; her children, Dean and Stacey; daughter-in-law, Erica; son-in-law, Mike; and grandchildren, Tyler and Harrison Hannah and Larkin Rose and Gabriel Humphries; as well as Patrick’s children, P.J. Fitzgerald, Lisa Jap-Tjong, and Laura Holloway; their spouses, Jill Fitzgerald, Roger Jap-Tjong, and Brian Holloway; and Patrick’s grandchildren, Fiona and Nash Fitzgerald, and Gavin and Alyssa Jap-Tjong; and Dean and Stacey’s father, (Larkin) Curtis Hannah. She was predeceased by her parents Arthur and Bernice.

Diana lived a life full of fun, love, and friendship. In her later years, she worked through health set-backs with admirable resilience, wanting to remain a part of as much fun as possible. Though we are saddened by losing her too soon, we know she’s finally whole again, reunited with the loved ones that went before her. We will hold Diana in our hearts, remembering her with the same fun and love she brought to our lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Diana’s memory to Holy Faith Catholic Church (https://www.holyfaithcatholicchurch.org/give) or National Breast Cancer Foundation (www.nationalbreastcancer.org)