Betty Jane Fitzgerald

Betty Jane Fitzgerald (née Papale), adored mother, aunt, teacher, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on April 4, 2026, at the age of 88.

Born on January 6, 1938, in Upper Darby (Philadelphia), Pennsylvania, Betty was the daughter of Dominic and Mary (née Viscidy) Papale. She was raised in nearby Morton, Pennsylvania, where she developed the strong sense of family, kindness, and resilience that defined her throughout her life.

Betty attended Ridley Township High School, graduating in 1955, and went on to West Chester State Teachers College (now University), where she graduated as a proud member of the Class of 1959. She formed cherished, lifelong friendships with other Physical Education majors, in a club known as the Valkyries. Betty loved the retreats the “sisters” held — they still gather annually — in places including Lake Lure, North Carolina, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and Sea Isle City, New Jersey. Hold on to your money at the pinochle table if you were not Betty’s partner at these retreats. And remember: what happens at a Valkyrie retreat stays at the retreat.

Education and service were central to Betty’s life. She worked as a teacher, including teaching grammar to U.S. Marine non-commissioned officers at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and English as a Second Language (ESL) to international students at Georgia Southwestern State University. She taught physical education to special needs children in Okinawa, Japan. She gave generously of her time through volunteer work with Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Marine officers’ wives organizations, and Habitat for Humanity.

As the devoted spouse of Lt. Col. John G. Fitzgerald (USMC, Ret.), a career United States Marine Corps officer, Betty embraced a life of adaptability and adventure. Over the years, she and her family were fortunate to live in many places, including California, Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia, with one of the highlights of her life being an overseas tour in Okinawa, which she often referred to as a “three-year vacation.” During that tour of duty, she traveled to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines, and China, often bringing her children, an act that instilled a lifelong love of travel in each. Following John’s retirement, they moved to Americus, Georgia, before she ultimately returned to her childhood home in Morton, Pennsylvania. She renovated "this old house," doing much of the work herself, before decorating it with many of the pieces she collected in Asia.

Betty was an avid golfer who found great joy in traveling, bird watching, and gardening, often with her twin sister, Barb. She visited Italy twice, once with Barb. The twins shared a love for sports, having played field hockey and lacrosse in high school and college. Betty was devoted to the “Iggles” and Phillies. College hoops was another favorite.

She appreciated beauty in both grand adventures and life’s quiet moments, and she carried herself with grace, warmth, and determination. She had a gift for making others feel welcomed, cared for, and loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dominic and Mary Papale; her twin sister, Barbara Jean Golob (née Papale); and her beloved husband, Lt. Col. John G. Fitzgerald (USMC, Ret.).

She is survived by her children: Gwen Fitzgerald (David Silver) of Richmond, Virginia; Joe Fitzgerald (Candace Squires) of Jacksonville, Florida; and Sharyn Fitzgerald (Dr. Matthew Hahn) of Manila, Philippines. She is also survived by extended family members, dear friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Betty Jane Fitzgerald lived a life marked by love, service, and devotion to family. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 2:30 - 3:15 PM, followed by a Life Celebration Remembrance Service at 3:15 PM. Guests will be invited to a reception nearby at 4:30, location will be added soon. A private burial will take place at Quantico National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to West Chester University Foundation, in memory of Betty Fitzgerald. Please make checks payable to WCU Foundation, Memo: In Memory of Betty Fitzgerald, and mail to 202 Carter Drive, West Chester, PA 19382. Gifts can also be made through the Foundation’s secure website at https://www.wcufoundation.org/g/memorial-gifts.