Veronica R. "Coke" Fitzgerald

Veronica “Coke” Rose (Kocon) Fitzgerald, age 91, passed away peacefully at her home on March 27, 2018 surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren after a brief battle with cancer.

Coke was a wonderful example of a life well lived, and FAITH and FAMILY were her cornerstones. She was born in Northeast Minneapolis to Julia and Michael Kocon, who emigrated from Poland, and cherished her Polish heritage. Coke held her own with her eight brothers, who she treasured throughout her life, and her niece lovingly referred to her as a “velvet-covered brick” –strong and bold but cloaked in caring and compassion.

In 1958 she met her beloved husband Pat at a League of Catholic Women dance, where his signature dance moves made for love at first sight. They had 51 wonderful years together, and their family grew to include sons-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and 16 blessed grandchildren. Coke’s family was her PRIDE and JOY, and she delighted in attending every event in their lives. Her lasting legacy will be her unconditional love and celebration of all of their unique and wonderful gifts. She also had a special place in her heart for those less fortunate, and everyone benefited from her grace and kindness. Family holidays were shared with residents from Glenwood Residence, a home for chronic alcoholics, and “she never met a stranger”.

She was a longtime member of the Northeast Polani Club and a dedicated volunteer at Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School, where she received the Hall of Honor Volunteer Service Award for her role on the Mothers Club Board and the creation of the Father/ Daughter Dinner Dance – a tradition her granddaughters enjoyed a generation later. Most important in her life was her Faith, which she lived by way of example every day.

She was a devout Catholic and loved daily Mass, studying the Bible, praying the Rosary, and exploring her faith during her cherished retreats. A true Prayer Warrior, Coke felt most blessed when praying for the needs of others. While our hearts are heavy and she will be deeply missed, we know that Heaven is rejoicing at her arrival, and she is resting in the loving arms of God.

Coke is preceded in death by her adoring husband Judge Patrick Fitzgerald, son Daniel, son-in-law Russell Scott, parents Julia and Michael Kocon, and her brothers Walter, Victor, Joe and Frank.

Veronica is survived by her loving (and much loved) 6 children: Kathleen (Geoff) Allen; Margaret Mary (Leon) Duda; Elizabeth Scott; Patricia (Dave) Fitzgerald; William (Jennifer) Fitzgerald; Sheila (Tom) Steichen; and her pride and joy—16 grandchildren: Emily (Fiance Andrew), Taylor, Connor, Patrick, John (Fiance Katie), Kaitlin (Tarik) Hujdurovic, William, Julia, Eleanor, Sofia, Veronica Grace, Tommy, Katy, Patrick, Frances and Rosemary, brothers Stan, Ted (Lorraine), Ray, Eddie (Joanne), sister-in-law Sheila Fitzgerald and brother-in-law Mike and Lois Fitzgerald, and many nieces and nephews.

We thank all of Mom’s caregivers, especially Sunny Hamilton, family members and friends who provided a constant stream of visits, thoughts and prayers.

Prayers and Memory Sharing at 6:30 PM.

Visitation one hour prior to Mass. Entombment Gethsemane Cemetery.

Monday, April 2, 2018 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel 15800 37th Avenue North, Plymouth, MN 55446

Prayers and Memory Sharing at 6:30 PM.

Tuesday, April 3, 2018 10:00 AM

Church of the Good Shepherd 145 Jersey Ave S Golden Valley, MN 55426

Visitation one hour prior to Mass. Entombment Gethsemane Cemetery.