Obituaries

Eleanor Louise Fitzpatrick, age 100, of St. Ignace, Michigan, died on July 3, 2025, at Evergreen Living Center. She was born on December 29, 1924, in St. Ignace, to Otho and Mary (Dennis) Coveyou.

After graduating from LaSalle High School in 1942, Eleanor proudly served her country in the United States Navy during World War II, receiving an honorable discharge in 1946. Upon returning home, she met James E. Fitzpatrick on a blind date, and they were married on May 8, 1948. Together, they raised nine children.

Eleanor worked for Michigan Bell as a telephone operator and later at the Grand Hotel switchboard, retiring in the late 1970’s. Her life was filled with service to her community and church. She was an active member of St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, where she was involved in the St. Anne’s Altar Society, served as a Religious Education Instructor, Sunday Mass Lector, and worked for five years at the Rectory. Eleanor was a proud member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She was also a member of the American Legion.

Eleanor approached life with energy and joy. She was an avid bridge player and golfer, she enjoyed making maple syrup, and creating with her hands through sewing and knitting. Whether painting a landscape, skiing through fresh snow, or picking berries in the summer sun, she found happiness in the moment. She loved to ride her bike, garden, or she could be found curled up with a good book. She shared countless adventures with friends, traveling from Michigan to Alabama, California, and Washington, always embracing new experiences.

Eleanor is survived by her children, Barbara (Ken) Brown of St. Ignace, James Fitzpatrick of St. Ignace, Patricia (Robert) Frazier of Marquette, Michigan, Ann (Steve) Fox of China, Michigan, Helen (Jerry) Thibault of St. Ignace, William (Gale) Fitzpatrick of St. Ignace, Thomas (Kerry) Fitzpatrick of St. Ignace, and Kathryn (Jeff) Cryderman of St. Ignace; twenty-six grandchildren; forty-four great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, Otho and Mary; husband, James; daughter, Mary Theresa Fitzpatrick; grandchildren, Josh Brown and Paul Fitzpatrick; daughter-in-law, Shelly Cope-Fitzpatrick; and great grandson, Tucker Shepard; siblings, Francis (Donna) Coveyou, Norbert (Peggy) Coveyou, Prosper Coveyou, and Mary Katherine Whalen.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on July 19, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 120 Church St, St Ignace, MI 49781. A Memorial Mass will follow at 11:00 AM.

Eleanor’s final resting place will be at St. Ignatius Cemetery in St. Ignace.