Hazel Fitzgerald

On Monday, September 24, 2013, F. Hazel Washington Fitzgerald, age 91, died peacefully at Christiana Hospital, surrounded by her family. Hazel was born in Cecilton, MD to the late Sterling and Nellie Washington. She was the oldest of five sisters. Hazel received her BA Degree in 1944 from VA State College; her Masters of Education Degree in 1961 from the University of DE; and an additional 60 hours above her M.Ed. Degree from Glassboro State College. She spent over 30 years of teaching in Rustburg, VA; Prince Frederick, MD; Wilmington, DE; Selbyville, DE; and in Salem, NJ where she retired in 1985. While at VA State College, Hazel met and married the late James R. Fitzgerald in 1946. To this union, two devoted sons were born -- James R. Jr. and Spencer W. Sr. Hazel was a devoted member and one of the Mother's of the Canaan Baptist Church. Between her service at Canaan and Eighth Street Baptist, Hazel gave over 60 years of dedicated service. She also participated in community organizations including the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. Rho Chapter, the National Association of University Women, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Zeta Omega Chapter; Moss-Robertson Auxiliary #6687, VFW; NAACP; Star of Bethlehem Chapter #8, OES, Pha, Inc.; St. Matthew's Grand Chapter, OES, PHA, Inc.; Delaware Assembly #43, Order of the Golden Circle; Suakim Court #54, Daughters of Isis; Deputy of Isiserettes; and Mrs. Senior Delaware 1988. Hazel leaves to cherish her memories two devoted sons -- James R. Jr. (Mary) and Spencer W. Sr. (Valeria); four grandchildren -- Spencer W. Jr., James R. III (Chrishawn), Tiffany (Wayne), and Christol; six great-grandchildren -- Courtney, Kyra, Sierra, Sidney, James IV, and Taylor; one great-grandchild, Nylah; two sisters, Rita Harris and Frances Benson (Frank); five brothers-in-law -- Albert Wilson, Lorenzo Fitzgerald (Elnora); Samuel Fitzgerald (Bessie); Bernard Fitzgerald (Marie); Eugene Fitzgerald (Hattie); a sister-in-law, Mary Rhodes (Roosevelt); one godchild, Roslyn Benson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Read Hazel Fitzgerald's Obituary and Guestbook on houseofwrightmortuary.com.