BURNSVILLE — Andrea Ann Fitzgerald, of Burnsville, died Monday, May 8, 2017, following a long and courageous Alzheimer’s journey.

A Mass celebrating Andrea’s life will be held 11 a.m. Friday, June 2, 2017, at the Church of the Risen Savior in Burnsville, with visitation one hour prior to the service. A private interment will be at a later date in Fort Snelling Cemetery, Minneapolis.

Andrea was born Jan. 23, 1933, in Winona, Minn., to Emil and Margaret (Dulek) Paape. She graduated in 1951 from Cathedral High School in Winona, and attended St. Teresa’s College in Winona.

Andrea married Donald Fitzgerald on Jan. 8, 1955, at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Winona. They made their home in Winona, where their six children were born. Don’s work took the family to Rockford, Ill., Albert Lea, Minn., Fairmont, Minn., Ankeny, Iowa, and Burnsville, Minn. Throughout the moves and changes, Andrea kept the home running efficiently and her family growing in faith and love.

Andrea believed that we “make a life by what we give” and though she enjoyed owning and running her shoe store in Fairmont, Minn., in the 1980s, she tended to give away some of her profit.

Andrea was a woman of faith, and loved to attend mass with her family and grandchildren.

Grannie Annie was proud of being the first visitor to see each grandchild when they entered the world. She enjoyed bridge, crossword puzzles, fishing and sports, especially baseball and college basketball.

Grannie Annie organized elaborate holiday games, loved to sing silly songs with her grandchildren, welcomed everyone with home-cooked meals and made everything fun. She very much appreciated the simple joys in life.

Andrea believed in praying, working hard, enjoying family and friends and facing adversity head on. Andrea conquered Alzheimer’s with dignity and grace and was loved by all who served her.

We are eternally grateful to our dad, (Grandpa Don), who fed and cared for mom each day for 12 years. We thank the staff of Emerald Crest in Burnsville and most recently Grace Hospice for their constant and kind support.

Andrea is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Don, children, Katie (Rod) Nakagaki of Owatonna, Toni Fitzgerald of Burnsville, Bridget Mikkelson of Lakeville, Veronica Hindt of Charlotte, N.C., Edward (Diane) Fitzgerald of Orlando, Fla., Daniel (Patty) Fitzgerald of Fairmont; 16 grandchildren, Ben (Kara) Nakagaki, Andrea (Adam) Solseth, Cassie Nakagaki, Harry (Abby) Fitzgerald, Adam (Jasna) Mikkelson, Erin (Marc) Heinmiller, Brian Hindt, Matt (Abby) Hindt, Dani Hindt, Amber Hindt, Shawn Fitzgerald, Nikki Fitzgerald, Carly Fitzgerald, Josh (Ami) Fitzgerald, Joe Fitzgerald, and Abby Fitzgerald, eight great-grandchildren; brother, Bud Paape; sister, Marte (Perry) Knopick; and nieces and nephews.

Andrea will be greeted in heaven with a big bear hug from her son-in-law, Michael Hindt. She is also preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Bonnie Merchlewitz.

Memorials are preferred to Emerald Crest of Burnsville, Grace Hospice, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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