Patricia Lee Fitzmaurice

Patricia Lee Fitzmaurice of New Carrollton, Maryland, passed away peacefully at the age of 82, surrounded by her nine children and her adoring husband.

Pat was born on April 7, 1944, in Schiller Park, Illinois. She was raised by her parents, Frank Novotny and Lena Castelucci, who preceded her in death, along with her brothers, Daniel Novotny and Thomas Novotny.

She married James Michael "Mike" Fitzmaurice on August 13, 1966, at St. Beatrice Parish in Schiller Park, Illinois.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Mike, and their children: Joey (Jen Payne), Missy (John Bachkosky), Mark (Beth Abelson), Jimmy (Joanna Sychlovy), David (Sylvie Sacks and Mary Curry), Paul (Sarah Reigner), John (Ellen Anderson), Jean (Tom Nagle), and Ann (Nick Scott).

Pat was the proud grandmother of 26 beautiful grandchildren: Danny (Mandy), Kevin (Ashley), Becca, Timmy, Sarah, John (Brianna), Robin (Seth), Colleen, Kate, Chase, Will, Jimmy, Jacob, Josephine, Madelyn Brooks, Rajini, Brett, Payne, Hannah, Julia, Haylen, Andrew, Emily, Alice, Ben, and Claire. She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Nolan, Collins, Violet, Lila, and Campbell.

She is also survived by her brother, Gary Novotny, and sister-in-law, Carol Novotny, beloved wife of her late brother Danny.

Patsy, as she was known in Chicago, graduated from East Leyden High School in 1962. She studied music at Alverno College for a year, where she met Mike during a collaborative production of The Messiah with St. Joseph's College. She went on to earn her nursing certificate from Northwestern University while working at Wesley Memorial Hospital in Chicago. After moving to Maryland, she worked as a neurology and psychiatric nurse at Washington Adventist Hospital and later provided lactation education through the American Red Cross.

She enjoyed an extensive career in nursing and education at St. Ambrose School in Cheverly, St. Bernard's School in Riverdale, St. Mary's School in Landover Hills, and Our Lady of the Fields Parish in Millersville. In addition to teaching music and Family Life classes, she served as Director of Religious Education, directed and adapted numerous plays, and accompanied her own children and grandchildren as well as DeMatha and Seton solo and ensemble students. She taught piano lessons, which not only gave the world more musicians but also introduced her daughter Jean to the love of her life, Tom.

Pat served as President of the Board of Directors for the Suburban Aquatic Club—our family's summer home—and as the team's Head Representative with the swim league. She hosted the annual Labor Day Picnic at SAC and made sure everyone had the chance to win a goldfish, wrestle for a greased watermelon, and indulge in a delicious funnel cake. Some of her happiest summer memories were made with the friends who became family at SAC.

When summer at SAC came to an end, Pat looked forward to spending extended vacations at the Castle in the Sand Hotel in Ocean City, Maryland. True to her nature, she got to know everyone at the resort and the neighborhood over the years. She genuinely loved hearing people's stories and making new friends wherever she went.

Pat had a passion for caring for those who were less fortunate. Every winter, she organized collection drives for people experiencing homelessness and made sure her husband had a van full of supplies to distribute on Christmas morning.

In the later chapters of her life, she found another wonderful community through Senior Solutions classes at the Severna Park Racquetball and Fitness Club. She was always organizing parties, celebrations, and holiday gatherings for her cherished group of friends.

She loved playing bridge—especially calling her children to humbly brag whenever she won. She played regularly with her closest friends and wisely hid the good snacks from her six boys, so her bridge group would have treats to enjoy. She also played frequently at the University of Maryland Bridge Club.

Pat was a gifted musician. She was an exceptional pianist—often being able to play any tune by ear! She also played the clarinet, saxophone, violin, and bass drum in her high school's marching band. She shared both her talents and her love of music with her children. Saturday morning chores were often accompanied by songs from The Music Man or Annie echoing throughout the house.

She loved gathering around the table for a meal with family and friends. If she could have chosen one perfect meal, it would have been a Gene & Jude's hot dog with a tamale in River Grove, Illinois. She treasured many family meals at Three Brothers Pizza, where she delighted in getting to know all three brothers. Some of her favorite moments were celebratory dinners at Fratelli's and lunches shared at Chevy's and Ledo Pizza.

For Pat, the Christmas spirit lasted all year long. She loved shopping for gifts on QVC and, more recently, discovering Amazon Prime. She never missed a Hallmark Christmas movie and found great joy in giving special gifts to the people she loved.

The Fitzmaurice family spent many summers traveling to the Midwest to visit both the Fitzmaurice and the Novotny & Castelucci families. Many treasured adventures and family lore were born during those long road trips in the big van—with its infamous "way, way back." Pat always made sure there were plenty of snacks, and Mike could count on her faithful navigation and driving tips from the passenger seat.

Once she conquered her fear of flying, there was no stopping her. She traveled to Ireland with Jimmy and his family and to France with her dear friends, the Consilvios.

Above all else, Pat's greatest joy was her family and seeing her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gathered together. She devoted her life to caring for others and building community, welcoming everyone she met with warmth, generosity, and genuine interest. Whether through music, nursing, teaching, faith, friendship, or simply sharing a meal, she made people feel valued and loved. Her legacy lives on in the family she built and cherished, the countless lives she touched, and the kindness she inspired in others.

Flowers may be sent to Beall Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Red Cross.