Mary Joan Fitz-Gerald, 76, a resident of the Golden Living Center and a lifelong resident of Scranton died Tuesday evening in the Mercy Hospital after an illness.

She was born in Scranton, the daughter of the late Charles and Mary Kerwin Cavanaugh. She was a member of the Nativity of Our Lord Church and a graduate of Lackawanna Business College.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff at the Golden Living Center and Mercy Hospital for their care and kindness over the years.

Surviving are a son, John Fitz-Gerald and his wife Alice, Scranton; two daughters, Jody Pica and her husband Ernest, Scranton, Beth Riccardella, Scranton; seven grandchildren, Christina Caswell, Jennifer Miller, Samantha Fitz-Gerald, Ryan Riccardella, Amber Riccardella, Corey Pica and Stephanie Pica; two great grandchildren, Alexa Caswell and Ryan Miller; nieces, nephews.

She was preceded in death by a Sister, Dorothy Kennedy and a brother Charles Cavanaugh.

Arrangement were conducted from the Miller Bean Funeral Home, Inc., 436 Cedar Avenue. Cremation service took place at Maple Hill Crematory. A Memorial Mass to celebrate her life will be held Friday July 4, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in the Nativity of Our Lord Church, 633 Orchard Street Scranton PA 18505.