Obituary of Mary Frances Fitzpatrick

Mary Frances Sparks was born on September 14, 1946, in Irvine, Kentucky.  She was one of four daughters born to the union of James Mitchell and Jessie Fern (Canter) Sparks. 

Mary was blessed with six children.  To provide for her family, she was employed for over twenty years as a secretary by Monroe Public Schools.  She was a fantastic cook, making all the meals for her family from scratch.  Loved ones raved over her homemade biscuits and gravy and cornbread and chili, emphatically claiming they were “the best around”. Mary was a wonderful baker as well.  She made pumpkin pies and pumpkin bread every Thanksgiving, filling the home with a sweet aroma.  Her most cherished times were spent with her family and spoiling her grandchildren, who affectionately referred to her as “Gigi”.  

Mary loved spending quiet time enjoying a good romance novel written by her favorite author, Danielle Steel.  She liked watching tv games shows and was always willing to test her knowledge by solving a puzzle on Wheel of Fortune or answering questions on Jeopardy. She also enjoyed completing the crossword puzzles in the TV Guide.   

Mary Frances Fitzpatrick, age 77 of Newport, Michigan passed away unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday; April 2, 2024. Her passing was preceded by her parents: James and Jessie Sparks; her daughter: Lisa Marie in infancy; and her sister: Brenda Ferris. 

To  cherish Mary’s memory she leaves two daughters: Lori (Joseph) Ambrose of Erie, Michigan and Jessica Fox (Robert Smith) of Newport, Michigan; three sons: Perry Fitzpatrick of Monroe, Donald (Maryanne) Fitzpatrick of Newport, and David Fitzpatrick of Newport; two sisters: Veronica Sue (Terry) Herkimer and Jamie (Danny)Hoffer;  nine grandchildren: Samantha (David) Bowman, Reva (Bob) Harmon, Jess Scott, Joseph (Christina) Ambrose, Savannah (Ryan) Caudill, Kayla (Kevin) Asher, Miranda Fitzpatrick, Puck Woods, and Austin (Shelby) Fitzpatrick; and twenty-three great grandchildren. 

Friends may gather from 11:00am until 1:00pm on Friday; April 5, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe, 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185.  A Celebration of Mary’s Life will follow at 1:00pm also at Merkle’s with Pastor BJ McDaniel of One Way Christian Fellowship officiating.  Procession will follow to Rath Cemetery in Monroe for burial. 

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