Dorothy Teresa (Wagner) Fitzsimmons, 91, of Wheeling, WV, passed away April 9, 2016 at Good Shepherd Nursing Home.
She was born on February 1, 1925 in Triadelphia, WV to the late Herman Clement Wagner (1972) and Mary Angela (Weiss) Wagner (1985).
In addition to her parents, Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Hampton Fitzsimmons (1989); daughter Monica Ann Fitzsimmons (2015); step-daughter Patricia Williams (2010); daughter-in-law, Ruth Ann (Holeczy) Fitzsimmons (1998) and great-grandchild, Sara Nikol Dudley (2006).
Dorothy spent most of her adult life loving and caring for her 9 children, 26 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren.
She was a devoted Catholic by faith loved life to the fullest, never met a person she didn’t like and never had an unkind word to say to or about anyone. She always kept God in her mind and on her side.
Surviving Dorothy are her 8 children; Kathy (Ed) Perry of Bethlehem, Dave (Barb) Fitzsimmons of Triadelphia, Rick Fitzsimmons (husband of Ruth) of Wheeling, Jim (Robin) Fitzsimmons of Cameron, Mary (Jack) Dudley of Wheeling, Carmel (Joe) Safcsak of Wheeling, Dorothy (Steve) Johnson of Wheeling and John (Angie) Fitzsimmons of Rock Cave, WV.
26 grandchildren; Ed Jr., and Jason Perry, Melissa Spielvogel, Kristina Garbark, Rick Jr., Nathan, Erica, Jamie, Art (A.J.), Timothy, John, Matthew, Joshua, Hilary, Sean and Autumn Fitzsimmons, Molly Neely, Paula Prince, Michael and Scott Safcsak, Tracy Himrod, Heather Milam, Stephanie Wilkinson, Angela Johnson, Karen Olejasz and Jan Williams.
28 great-grandchildren; Kenna, Kelsey, Richella, Cody, Kylie, Cory, Alannah, Kayla, Josiah, Teagan, Gatlin, Annie Rose, Nik, Annie, Trey, Aiden, Livi, Leia, Logan, Austin, Brooke, Liana, Blakely, Hunter, Anna, Billy, Bryan and Camden. Sara Nikol Dudley (daughter of Joshua and Emily), born May 20, 2006, passed August 17, 2006, spending her whole life in Ruby Memorial Hospital, was never able to meet her great-grandmother on earth, but is eagerly awaiting her in heaven, with open arms for her first hug and kiss.
Regarding Dorothy’s 13 brothers and sisters (3 of which devoted their lives to God by becoming nuns), 7 are also in heaven waiting for Dorothy; Herman (Ginny) Wagner, Sister Jean Marie Wagner, Sister Anna Wagner, Martha (Frank) Ross, George (Lynn) Wagner, Joseph (Virginia) Wagner and Paul Wagner. Frank Ross, “Uncle Frank”, the family photographer, always available to take “memories” for everyone to share, is also sadly missed. As well as two brothers-in-law, Dave Wright and John Kennedy, and sister-in-law, Ruth Wagner.
Having thoughts of Dorothy and her compassion towards all are, Sister Gabriella Wagner of Wheeling, Rita (Dave) Wright of Atlanta, GA, Marie (John) Kennedy of Overland Parks, KS, Jerome (husband of Ruth) Wagner of Stow, OH, and Charles (Pat) Wagner of Wheeling, John (Mary) Wagner of Medina, OH.
Family and friends will be received at Altmeyer Funeral Homes, 1400 Eoff St., Tuesday, April 12, 2016 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Joseph Cathedral, April 13 at 10 am with Monsignor Kevin Quirk as celebrant. Interment will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Monica’s ashes will be joining her mother.
The family would like to thank Good Shepherd Nursing Home for their personal care, love and concern they have shown to Dorothy and family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of St. Joseph, 137 Mt. St. Joseph Rd., Wheeling, WV 26003 or in C/O www.treasuredmemoriesfunding.com
Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.altmeyer.com.
Thank you mom for everything. I hope I can be half the person you were. I miss you beyond all understanding. Love you forever, Dot
To my Fitzsimmons cousins, I am sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Take comfort in the thought that she’ll be greeted by so many that love her, my dad, George, and mom, Lynn, included.
Lisa Wagner Guidry
Our prayers for God’s love and comfort are with each of you now and the days to come. May you find joy and peace in your loving memories of sweet Dorothy!
May your memories of your beautiful grandmother help you through this sad time and the knowledge that she is in God’s kingdom sooth your hurting heart. God bless you and your family Melissa. Lots of Love and hugs ❤
Rick,
Sending our sincere sympathy.
Always smiling is how we will remember Aunt Dorothy. She was a sweet, loving Aunt with a great sense of humor. We will cherish our Family Reunion memories of her always.
Dorothy was such a sweet woman with a smile that could brighten your day, she will be dearly missed at GSNH❤ Prayers to the entire family.
Sorry for your loss. It was so nice to have Dorothy as my neighbor. I miss our “alley” conversations.
The world is a little quieter without you. Love and miss you Mom.
We always remember how much your Mom loved walking around the Island and talking to everyone. Our deepest sympathy to the entire family.