Dierdre M. Fitzgerald

HOWES CAVE – Dierdre M. Fitzgerald, 53, passed away on Monday, December 2, 2013 with her beloved husband and loving family at her side. She was born in Cobleskill, NY and is the daughter of Charles E. Chichester, Larry Brown and the late Helen M. Brown. Dierdre attended Schoharie Central School and graduated from Shaker High School in 1978. She worked for New York State Taxation & Finance for twenty-two years; sixteen as an E.A.P. Coordinator and six years in several other positions including auditor. Prior to her state service, Dierdre was a counselor at Conifer Park for seven years.


Dierdre is the beloved wife and best friend of twenty-nine years to Mark J. Fitzgerald. She is the devoted sister of Dana Chichester, Edison (Patrice) Chichester and the late Denise Giordano. Dierdre is the daughter-in-law of Katherine Fitzgerald and sister-in-law of Phil Giordano, Guy Fitzgerald, Kathleen Caulfield, Mary Beth Riebe and Beverly Limmer. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and her four legged son, Bentley; predeceased by Dolly and Porter.


Dierdre enjoyed spending time with her family, working in her gardens and was a tireless supporter of the Double H Ranch, Damien Center and Regional Food Bank. Each fall she looked forward to taking part at Howe Cavern's Halloween at the Cave. Planning for both her and Mark's costumes often began as early as July. Dierdre lived life with energy, passion and determination that she easily shared with others. The family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at St. Peter's Hospital and the Hospice Inn for their professionalism, tenderness and care.


Funeral services will be Saturday at 4:00 p.m. at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd, Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). Calling hours will precede the service from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family in Memory Gardens, Colonie. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Damien Center, 12 So. Lake Ave, Albany, NY 12203, Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY, 965 Albany Shaker Rd, Latham NY 12110 or Double H Ranch, 97 Hidden Valley Rd, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846 in memory of Dierdre M. Fitzgerald.