Betty Fitzgerald

Betty McNichols Fitzgerald was born in Danville, Virginia to Patti Jennings McNichols and Emmet Acree McNichols. She was a graduate of George Washington High School, class of 1949. After High School, Betty attended Averett University where she studied accounting. While at Averett, she worked for Sears, Leggett Department Store and First National Bank where she quickly utilized her accounting skills to become administrative assistant to the bank president. Later, she resumed her career and became office manager at Rippe’s for 26 years.

Her proudest and happiest moment occurred on June 1st, 1952, when she married the love of her life, William (Bill) Russell Fitzgerald and made Danville their forever home. Betty was a faithful, active, and longtime member of The First Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed beach vacations with Bill and her family and cruises to the Caribbean and Mexico with many friends. Betty was a voracious reader. She possessed an incredible memory for authors, characters and facts. She loved playing Bridge and other card games. Betty also loved to shop. She would take every advantage of wherever she visited to search out unique stores and the shopping malls. Her loving husband at her side all the time.

Betty was predeceased by her parents, her loving brother Jerry McNichols, and her husband of 69 years, Bill who passed in August of 2021.

Betty is survived by her daughters Ellen Thomas, Jane Marini (Rick), Granddaughters Jane O’Rouke (Patrick), Ellen M. Despres, (Nick), Blair M Bowman (Sam) and her 5 great grandchildren Camden O’Rourke, Finley O’Rouke, Dominick Despres, Valerie Despres and Russell Bowman. She is also survived by her loving sister-in-law Elizabeth McNichols and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at Townes Funeral Home with inurnment following at Mountain View Cemetery. A visitation will be held an hour prior to the service, starting at 10:00 AM

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memory Wall at www.townesfuneralhome.com The Fitzgerald family has entrusted arrangements to Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main St., Danville, VA, 434-793-1211.