Obituary of Bridget Garavalia

Bridget F. Garavalia (nee Fitzgerald) Age 85. At rest Friday, February 22, 2008 at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center. Born in Tiskilwa, IL, she was a resident of Joliet since early childhood. Graduate of Providence High School and St. Joseph School of Nursing Class of 1945. A retired, registered nurse, Bridget spent nine years as Dr. Joseph Duffy's office nurse (1952-1961). She spent the rest of her nursing career at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center. Bridget enjoyed the enduring friendship of her nursing classmates and colleagues, who will remember her sense of humor, whimsy, and quiet strength. She waged a valiant 28-year battle with heart disease and it's complications. She was aided throughout this struggle by the extraordinary care of Dr. Eugene Chiu, and the nurses and staff at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center 4th floor unit, for which her daughters are forever grateful. The family would also like to thank Lisa, Jennifer and Fran, the CNA's who enabled us to keep her at home the past six months. Member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. Devoted mother of Bridget and Colette Garavalia both of Joliet; dearest aunt of P. Timothy (Cindy) Gonzalez of Joliet, Kay (Freeman) Cook of Lockport, Thomas (Joanne) Fitzgerald of Plainfield, William (Marcia) Fitzgerald of Joliet, Jean (Steve) Hooks of Joliet, Patrick (Linda) Fitzgerald of Las Vegas, Mary Margaret Peterson of Moline and Liz Canute of Arlington, TX. Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Joseph P. Garavalia (2005); her parents, Patrick and Mary Catherine (nee Burke) Fitzgerald; three sisters, Grace Gonzalez, Patricia Canute, and Mary Kuna; and four brothers, Raymond, Robert, Gerald and Joseph Fitzgerald. Funeral Services for Bridget F. Garavalia will be Monday, February 25, 2008 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home chapel to St. Patrick Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in her name to St. Joseph College of Nursing would be appreciated. Visitation Sunday 3-7 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 741-5500