Margaret Evelyn Fitzgerald Anderson

Margaret Evelyn Fitzgerald Anderson, 75, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2019, in her home in Independence, Mo., from a brief battle with cancer.

She was born on June 23, 1943, in Fort Scott, Kan., to Milo and Willa Sutcliffe. Margaret was one of eight children. She married Robert Lee Fitzgerald on March 28, 1964. She raised three children until his death in 1974. Margaret later married Leroy (John) Anderson on March 31, 1980, until his death in 1988.

Margaret is survived by her three children, William Fitzgerald of Independence, Mo., Robert and Penny Fitzgerald of Flintville, Tenn., and daughter, Frances and MaPilar Fitzgerald of Colorado Springs, Colo. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kevin Fitzgerald, Rebecca Bailey and David Bailey; five great-grandchildren; two brothers; and two sisters.

Margaret loved her family, friends, cats, dogs (all living creatures really), sewing and a tremendous variety of collections and crafts. She was also an avid collector of plants and flowers. She could grow anything. However, when you asked the name of the plant she would often make up names because she couldn’t remember the real name for them. She was extremely funny, loved to laugh, tell jokes and stories. She was honest and loving would tell you her honest opinion about everything (even if you didn’t ask). She had a very colorful personality that she enjoyed sharing with everyone she came in contact with.

Margaret was a strong believer in her faith and Jesus. She will be sorely missed by her family, friends and the community.

A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends on Thursday, June 13, at the Gathering Baptist Church, 4505 South Noland Road, Independence, Mo. In lieu of flowers, donations in Margaret’s name can be made to Project Linus at the above church’s address. Project Linus provides new handmade blankets, quilts and afghans to children who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need.