Maureen "Babe" D. (McKay) Fitzgerald

Maureen (Babe) Dian McKay Fitzgerald, of Eden Prairie, MN, born September 16, 1940, went home to heaven on February 24, 2024. Maureen was the youngest of 7 children who all grew up in North Minneapolis and attended Ascension Catholic grade school.  Her only brother Steve gave her the nickname Babe and it was so appropriate.  Maureen’s high school journey took her to boarding school in Springfield, IL, where her father worked.  She attended Sacred Heart Academy.  She had a blind date for her senior prom and that date was Mike Fitzgerald, who attended Cathedral, the all-boy’s Catholic high school. Mike was smitten from the moment he saw Maureen walk down the stairs in Sienna Hall with her beautiful red hair. They went on to be married for 61 years. Mike rarely called her Maureen, it was Babe.  Mike and Maureen moved back to Minneapolis and were married at Church of the Ascension on January 19, 1963.  They settled in St. Louis Park and raised 2 children: Lisa (Dan) Miller and Eddie (Lori) Fitzgerald. Maureen was a doting, fun Grandma to her 4 grandchildren.  They remember sleepovers with homemade stovetop popcorn and just the right amount of salt. They remember her love of Barry Manilow and his voice on auto play in Grandma’s “white car with red interior”.  It was the appropriate car for her... the Sundance!  Every visit to Grandma’s included Andes’ mints that she would take by the handful from Olive Garden. She kept them on the second shelf of the cupboard, and the kids knew right where they were.  There were lots of dance parties and plain ‘ol fun and love with Grandma Maureen.  Maureen was a tried-and-true Minnesota sports fan and always had a game on the kitchen television. Maureen was a proud Vikings season ticket holder and held fond memories of the opening of the “dome.” Vikings, Twins, you name it. Skol Vikings! She and Eddie had a special bond over all thing’s sports. Maureen spent the last of her years at Mount Olivet Home in South Minneapolis, where she became a favorite.  She was always a bit feisty, don’t know if it was that red hair or simply her way.  She endeared herself to the staff there.  Maureen would sit outside her room in her wheelchair, with her Coach sunglasses on, for hours and just observe.  She always wore her sunglasses and wouldn’t leave her room without them. The staff affectionately named her “Hollywood” because of this.  The nickname was so appropriate as she always took care over the years to be made up for the day. The hair, the lipstick...Revlon was her brand! Maureen left this earth on her own terms, and we know God welcomed her into His heavenly kingdom with open arms and that red headed dear lady will now be at peace.

Maureen was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Lydia McKay; sisters, Patricia (Patty), Gloria (Gerry), Barbara (Barb), and brother, Steve. Maureen is survived by her incredibly devoted husband, Mike, who spent hours and hours with her at Mount Olivet, it was a testimony to his commitment to her and his love for her. Maureen had a strong faith. She and Mike said the chaplet every day and he read out of the book, Jesus Calling, to her every day. She is also survived by her daughter, Lisa, son-in-law, Dan; son, Edward, (Eddie) and daughter-in-law, Lori. Her four grandchildren Emily, and fiancé, Killian, Abby, Hannah, and Charlie. Her sister, Martha, in Greensboro, ​NC and her sister, Mary Ann McKay, Minneapolis. She is also survived by Mike’s family in Springfield, IL. She has nieces, nephews and cousins that she leaves behind as well. There will be a small, private family Mass of Christian burial at the Church of the Ascension on Thursday, February 29, 2024, with a burial at Lakewood Cemetery to follow.  Memorials are preferred to Mount Olivet Care Home; Attn. Development Office; 5517 Lyndale Avenue South; Minneapolis, MN  55419 or to donate directly please click here .