Graciousness and gratitude recalled

Marjorie FitzPatrick, who was the oldest former student of St Mary’s College in Hobart and possibly the oldest Catholic parishioner in the state, has died aged 107.

The remarkable member of the Launceston Catholic Parish has been remembered with love and affection.

Emeritus Archbishop of Hobart Adrian Doyle, who shared a great-grandmother with Mrs FitzPatrick, recalled his relative with great fondness.

“She was just a wonderful human being,” Archbishop Doyle said.

“She was kind and generous and had a lot of people who loved her. Her graciousness and sense of gratitude was a sermon in itself.”

In an interview with the Catholic Standard in 2021, Mrs FitzPatrick spoke of her pioneering work as an optical mechanic during World War II in Hobart, and of her beloved brother, Richard, a Spitfire pilot who died in the war.

Mrs FitzPatrick was living independently in Newstead at the time of the interview. She still looked forward to attending the Launceston Cup each year, and remained a canny contract bridge player, voracious reader and sparkling company.

She spoke of being sustained by her family, friends and faith but had no particular secrets for longevity.

“I do what I can while I can,” she said.

“I am grateful for many things and many blessings.”

Mrs FitzPatrick was born in November 1914, one of five children of Richard and Blanche Darcey.

She was married to Dr Harry FitzPatrick, late of Deloraine, and is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Phillip Lebski, and her grandchildren, Genevieve and Madeline.

Mrs FitzPatrick died in April, 2022.

Tags: Launceston, News, Northern Deanery