Obituary of Dorothy Ina Fitzgerald

FITZGERALD- Dorothy Ina Steele Fitzgerald, age 71 of Milford, died peacefully on December 14, 2014 in Milford Hospital following a yearlong battle with colon cancer. Born in Milford on May 26, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Julia Lake Steele. Julia Lake Steele, Mrs. Fitzgerald’s mother died just 1 day after giving birth, the late Mary Patton Steele, her stepmother, raised her as her own. Mrs. Fitzgerald worked for Sikorsky as a shipping and receiving clerk for over 22 years, until her retirement in 1999. She then worked as a cook in the Milford Senior Center preparing meals for 100’s of seniors, until retiring in 2005. She loved her trips to the casinos, playing bingo, and was an avid puzzler and crossword solver. She is survived by her devoted children, Frank (Kristen) Fitzgerald of Stratford and Linda Petonito and her companion John Brezina of Bridgeport; twin sister, Ina Buzzell of Milford, Joan (Michael) Hamilton of NC, and Sigrid “Ziggy” Wharam of GA; cherished grandchildren, Nick DeVietro of FL, Melissa Corey of Waterbury, Margaret Jaworski of Bridgeport, Steven Petonito of East Haven and Kaylie Fitzgerald of Stratford; great-grandchildren, Jeffrey, Derich and Gabriella; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Carl “Buzz” Buzzell. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1075 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury, CT 06708. The Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Ave., Ansonia is in care of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.