Jennifer Fitzgerald

Jennifer Fitzgerald (nee Manzo), aged 54, died Monday, August 29th at the Cleveland Clinic due to complications from esophageal cancer. She died peacefully surrounded by her sons, mother,

sisters, brother-in laws, and cousins. She grew up in Sheffield Lake, Ohio and graduated from Brookside High School in 1986. Gifted with intelligence and a keen sense of humor, Jenny laughed often and contagiously. She was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, a lover of music and books, and very creative; she wrote poetry, painted, and filled her personal notes and cards with vibrant language and drawings. Those who knew her remember good trips to Cedar Point, late nights listening to music that stretched into the early morning, and evenings spent on the beach of Lake Erie discussing the intricacies of life. Home videos reveal a woman of compassion who hung up birdhouses for young nests in need, loved giving thoughtful gifts to her children, and celebrated the presence of her friends and family. She always sided with the weaker ones and gave chances to those who needed them.

Jenny is survived by her sons Paul Paterson (Susan) and Benjamin Pluta (Carissa); mother Jeanne Frances, sisters Catherine Manzo, Regina Anderson (Jeffery) and Rebecca Schaly (John); grandchildren Nyssa, Magdalene, Jack, and Simon; and many aunts and uncles, cousins, niece, and nephews.

Her Funeral Mass will be offered at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Chardon on Friday, October 7th at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate you to consider making a gift to Alcoholics Anonymous either online at aa.org or by sending a check to Post Office Box 2407, James A Farley Station, New York, NY 10116-2407.