Mary Jayne Fitzpatrick, nee Nix, of Westmont, passed away peacefully Aug. 9, 2024.
Mary Jayne, 93, was born in Chicago in 1930 to Charles and Nellie Nix.
Always the "fun" grandma, she cherished time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was up for almost anything. Mary Jayne was devoted to family, including her numerous nieces and nephews, and hosted large gatherings. She loved the holidays for their family and spiritual connections and was a gracious and talented hostess. She was fiercely independent and never stopped driving.
Mary Jayne worked more than 40 years at Illinois Central Railroad, where she made lifelong friends. She raised her family in Country Club Hills and was an active member of the community, serving as a park commissioner and president of the Girls Softball League. Mary Jayne was active for years in the VFW Auxiliary 4241, serving terms as president and secretary/treasurer. She worked tirelessly to raise money for veterans in recognition of their sacrifices.
Along with family members, Mary Jayne was a longtime Bears season ticket holder and rarely missed a home game, no matter how cold. Her creative outlets included cooking and ceramics, and she was an avid reader. She lived in Homewood for many years and moved to Westmont in 1998 to be closer to family. Mary Jayne was a devout and prayerful Catholic and was an active member of Notre Dame Parish for the last 25 years of her life.
She is survived by her daughters, Suzann Fitzpatrick and Erin (Doug) James of Hinsdale; her grandchildren, Jarrod (Tracey) Fitzpatrick and Daniel (Justin) James; her great-grandchildren, Ryan (Josie) Fitzpatrick and Kylie Fitzpatrick; and her brother, James Nix.
She was preceded in death by her son, Charles Fitzpatrick; her brothers, George Tate, Richard Tate and Peter Nix; and her sister, Kaye Sekosky.
Visitation is at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 64 Norfolk Ave., Clarendon Hills. A funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the church.
Interment is at Notre Dame Parish.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Notre Dame Parish Food Pantry.
Sullivan Funeral Home in Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
