Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

Serving families in the Miles City, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Broadus, Circle, Jordan and Terry areas for three generations.

For Immediate Help Call
Miles City: 406-232-4457 — Forsyth: 406-346-2311

In Memory Of

Gina FitzGerald, age 53, of Jordan

September 26, 1969 – January 28, 2023

 

Gina Marie FitzGerald was a caring daughter, teacher, aunt, sister, and friend. She left this world suddenly and unexpectedly on Jan 28, 2023, at age 53.

Gina was born to John and Karen Foster FitzGerald on Sept 26, 1969. She grew up chasing after her brothers Shawn and Chad (to the creek and back) and being raised by the amazing Jordan community of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. In high school she solidified her most treasured friends, and there were many! The family exchange student and bonus brother Mario was her partner in crime during senior year, and always held a special place in her heart.

Gina was destined to have a long musical journey in life, which was jumpstarted by a tour of Europe in her sophomore year of high school with a regional choir. She began her college studies at the University of Montana in Geology, but soon transferred to Eastern Montana College to focus on her true love of music, obtaining her degree in 2000. She was a skilled piano and saxophone player, leading many congregations and church services with her talent. As the music teacher in Jordan, Gina had to teach all grades and play and instruct on all instruments. Her school year was a whirlwind: teach class during the week, perform with the band at all football and basketball home games and many tournaments, plan and organize the Christmas program, practice for Music Festival, plan for the Spring Program, perform at graduation. It is a crazy schedule that teachers in larger towns and cities would not be able to manage with such grace and positivity.

In addition, Gina was the lone driver’s ed instructor in Jordan during the busy school year. Once school was out, her teaching did not end. She spent many weeks in May and June traveling to Winnett and instructing teens on the finer skills of vehicle safety and rules of the road.

When driver’s ed was finally in the rearview, the summer truly began for Gina, at the lake. She dearly loved spending time at the cabin and whiling away a beautiful afternoon on the pontoon with her family and dear friends. More recently she was bitten by the fishing bug and enjoyed competing against other gals in a variety of Hell Creek tournaments.

When not at the lake, Gina was an avid and productive gardener in the summer and fall, gracing her family and friends with tomatoes, beets, cucumbers, and squash, both fresh or canned.

Gina was active in the Jordan community, volunteering for many events, large and small. One highlight for many was the Big Dry Classic Car Show that she helped orchestrate for Jordan’s centennial.
Gina loved to boat, snowmobile, drive her Thunderbird, go to concerts, babysit her nieces and nephews, and later grandnieces and nephews, take care of cats, and chum around with her longtime companion Bruce.

Gina loved spending time in the kitchen, creating delicious baked goods for her family and community. Be it pies, cakes, cookies, caramel rolls or Gina buns, the flavors were amazing and greatly enjoyed by all. Gina took great pleasure in taking baked goods to the Garfield County fair and won many ribbons.
Gina was talented, kind, humorous, and had an infectious laugh. She was generous with her time and her talents, and sharing these with her school kids, her family, and her friends gave her the greatest joy. She will be missed by all.

Gina is survived by her parents John and Karen FitzGerald, Brothers Shawn (Sue) and Chad (Lori), nephews Jonathan (Courtney), Ian and Aidan, nieces Rowena and Olivia, grandnieces Taryn and Peyton, grandnephew Landon, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Gina was largely involved in the lives of her beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Gina and Watson Foster, and Mary and Melvin FitzGerald.

In lieu of flowers, please mail check donations to the Central Montana Foundation under Gina FitzGerald Music Fund on her behalf.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 2, 2023, in the Garfield County Gymnasium. A Luncheon will follow at the VFW. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

10:00 a.m.

Thursday February 2, 2023

Garfield County High School Gym

Jordan, Montana 59337

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Luncheon

Immediately following the Memorial Service

Thursday February 2, 2023

VFW Hall

Jordan , Montna 59337

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Service Schedule

Memorial Service

10:00 a.m.

Thursday February 2, 2023

Garfield County High School Gym

Jordan, Montana 59337

View map

Luncheon

Immediately following the Memorial Service

Thursday February 2, 2023

VFW Hall

Jordan , Montna 59337

View map

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. OH. How those blue eyes and loving smile will forever be in our hearts! If love can help get you through, John, Karen, Shawn, Sue, Chad, Lori and all the kids, you will have lots lifting you up!! God’s grace and peace!!

    Love,
    Uncle Bill, Aunt Rita and all our family!

  2. So sorry for your loss, Gina was such a loving and beautiful lady, she will be greatly missed

  3. We are so very sorry for your loss. She was such a wonderful person. We always thought so highly of her. She touched many lives and will be missed.

  6. So very sorry for your loss. Gina was one of my first students and I enjoyed being around her. She also became a wonderful coworker. She will be missed by many.

  7. I’m so sorry for your loss. She was one of my first friends growing up. I know she will be terribly missed by all who knew her. Praying and thinking of you all.

  8. To the Fitzgerald Family,
    Gina was a fellow music teacher. I so enjoyed our visits and time spent at music functions together. I will miss her. Prayers to all of you. She was such a joy!

  9. I’m so sorry to hear of Gina’s passing. She was always so sweet and friendly any time I saw her. She will be sorely missed. Prayers for her family.

  13. So so sorry for your loss! Gina was a great lady! Stern but a gentle soul! Always friendly and a smile when you saw her! She will be missed!

    Kent and Chevell South

  14. My Deepest Condolences To John, Karen, Shawn And Chad!! Gina Was Such A Wonderful Human And Touched So Many Lives In Our Community!! I’m Crushed At Your Loss. May God Bless You All And Give You Peace, Comfort And Unimaginable Love!! Bless You All, Love, Pete Shawver!!

  15. Our hearts are aching for what you must be going through. Gina was such a special person and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

  16. John, Karen and family, some of my funnest childhood memories are of my summer days spent with Gina. Sodas at the drug store, riding our bikes all the way out to the lake ( not sure who’s bright idea that was 😊) and hours and hours at the pool. Gina was truly one of a kind and a friend I will always cherish. You are all in my thoughts and prayers .

  17. John, Karen and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Gina was such a beautiful, fun lady. I remember our visits to the drugstore so John could make us cherry cokes and riding Jim Pangburn’s bike up and down the hill taking turns pedaling and riding in the basket. You have so many precious memories with Gina. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to all of you! Sheila

  18. To the Family, I knew Gina through working in the music program at Broadus. She was such a friendly and fun person to visit with at music things. Prayers to all of you during this time.

  19. John, Karen and All the Fitzgerald families. May the good Lord wrap his arms around all of you in this difficult time. Gina has left an empty place in the school and all the lives she has touched. My prayers for healing.

  20. Words can not express how sorry we are for your loss. May you find comfort in all of the wonderful memories. God bless you all at this difficult time . Love and Prayers

  22. We are so very sorry for your loss. Gina made such an impact on so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  23. So sorry to hear of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all her family and friends.

  24. John, Karen and family….our heart aches for your loss! What a special soul Gina was and brought joy to so many. May you all be blessed with Peace, Comfort and the Love of family and friends!

  25. My heart is sad. Gina was a lady with loads of talent. I could see her eyes come alive & her heart radiated with a certain passion when she spoke of music & her family.
    So many prayers for the family.

  26. John, Karen and all your Family,
    Our deepest sympathy to to all of you. Gina was such a wonderful lady and will be missed by many. Hugs and prayers to you all.

  27. Sorry to hear of the passing of a great gal and devoted teacher. Gina always had a big smile and kind words. Prayers to the grieving family.

  29. My thoughts and prayers are with Gina’s family and friends right now. My heart sank when I received the news. I had the pleasure of working with her as a music teacher and I will remember and cherish the talks we had at festivals and all our shared music events. She was such an inspiration. Much love to you all!!!

  30. John, Karen and extended families…. I am at a loss of words, when I seen this. May God comfort you at this difficult time. DEATH leaves a heartache no one can heal, LOVE leaves a memory no one can steal. I don’t know who wrote this, but it says so much. Prayers for you all.

  31. Thoughts and prayers to John, Karen, Shawn, Chad, and their families. Gina was so much fun to be around! I remember her pulling me around behind a ski boat on one hand and giving me detention on the other. She always told the best stories! So thankful she was in our lives!

  32. Words can not express our sorrow. Gina was such a wonderful person inside and out. She leaves with lots of fond memories. Take one day at a time John ‘ Karen Shawn & fam Chad Loree & fam. With Sympathy.

  34. I’m shocked to hear of this! I only met her recently but could tell she was passionate about her students and her music. I’m so sorry for her loss.

  36. Gina you will be missed by many.

    Karen, John, Shawn and Chad and families-So very sorry for your loss.

  37. To all of Gina’s family,
    I am so saddened by your loss. Having known all of you my whole life, I have so many wonderful memories of Gina from her younger years to now, that I can’t begin to single out any one memory. She left her Impact on so many. Even through your grief, you can be proud of all she did and accomplished and know that she will be missed by the whole community. Praying for all of you.

  38. I still can’t believe that a dear friend is no longer here with us. Gina was a great friend and we had many fun (and sometimes, not so smart) adventures together. From our “After Christmas, Christmas Get Together” and sledding off drop offs at the ranch, to carving Jack o Lanterns and dodging UFO’s, to a late night drive to Rock Creek – singing Queen songs at the top of our lungs, to checking tip ups in the middle of the night at Snow Creek just to name a very few. So many wonderful memories and so, so many laughs we’ve all had together with our group of friends. I will always treasure these memories and they will always bring a smile to my face. My deepest condolences to Gina’s family…may your many memories of her fun, beautiful and kind soul bring you some measure of comfort during this difficult time ♥️

  39. JOHN ,KAREN, AND FAMILY Sending condolences and prayers for each of you Gina was such a wonderful and careing person .She will be missed by all who knew her .She touched so many . May you find Comfort in all of your memories and in God love . If we can do any thing we are here for you and want to help in anyway we can . LOVE AND BLESSINGS TO YOU .

  40. I am sorry for the loss of Gina. I have so many memories from our many District Music meetings, Music Festivals, Honor Band and Choir trips and Pep Band. I taught in Plevna. Gina was fun to be around and you could tell her students loved her. God gained another angel in his choir.

  41. So sorry for your loss. May God be with you and yours in your time of need. Many prayers.

  42. John Karen and Family I’m so so sorry to hear about Gina’s passing. Gone too soon. Gina will be missed for her bright smile, giggle and talents. She was my friend and classmate. Lots of memories. She was a leader. May God comfort all her family and friends through this difficult time. Hugs and Prayers🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️

  43. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. She was such a talented lady. Will miss seeing her at tournament directing the band.

  45. My heart is breaking for you John, Karen, Shawn, Sue, and family, Chad and Lori and family: This includes all the Fitzgerald families: Jordan lost a great one. One with extreme talent and personality. She will be so missed. Treasure all the memories you all made together.

  46. I am so very sorry for your loss. Some of my favorite high school memories are Honor Choir trips with Miss Fitzgerald. May the memories you shared with her bring you peace and comfort.

  47. We are so sorry to hear about Gina. We never saw her without a big smile and a hug. She has touched so many lives and left a wonderful memory. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and give you strength in such a difficult time.

  48. John, Karen, Shawn, Chad, all Fitzgerald families, and extended family and friends,
    I am so saddened to hear of Gina’s passing. What a loss to you and your community.
    Wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
    Love and prayers, Diane ❤🙏❤

  49. I was so saddened to hear of Gina’s passing. She was such a help to me when I taught music in Ekalaka. Her warm smile and welcoming personality will be greatly missed. My condolences to all Gina’s family.

  50. The world is a lot less bright without this smile in it. My prayers and thoughts go out to her family.

  51. John, Karen and all your family. We were saddened to hear of your loss of Gina. Such a sad sad day. Not only for you but so many people. May God hold you in the palm of his hand and comfort you.
    So very sorry
    Mark and Jeanne

  53. I crossed Gina a few times over the past 30 or so years at something involving music, albeit a wedding or music festival. What a lovely lady full of energy and love. I am holding all of Gina’s family, friends and school kids up in prayer in this time of heartbreaking loss.

  55. My dear friend how I will miss you. The fun times we had all the memories. Until we meet again. I love you always

  56. Condolences to John, Karen and Families,
    Gina will be missed by so many family and friends. May your favorite memories of the past bring you comfort during these hard times. Losing ones child is one of the hardest things a parent has to endure, but with the help of many prayers, we hope it will bring some comfort to you. God Be With You All.

  57. Our condolences to all the family oof Gina FitzGerald. So sorry for your loss. May God Bless you all during this time of mourning and be with you in remembering her life and her blessings on the family and friends.

  60. To the Entire Fitzgerald Family, I am so very sorry for your incredable loss. Gina was a bright light every where she went, every room she walked into and every song that was played by her students that learned everything from her.❤Who will fill her shoes?? Not sure that can happen. Gina was so talented and showed her love for her job at every event. From concerts to school sports. I’m going to miss you so much, Gina. My heart is breaking for your family, your students and all your friends. I love you and will see you on the other side. RIP BEAUTIFUL. Music will play on in Heaven because you are there to teach the angels.❤

  62. We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  63. Dear John, Karen, Shawn & Chad & families,
    I am devastated for you all. Gina was a good friend, talented musician and outstanding teacher. My first BIG memory of her was when the boys and I were in 4th grade. Karen brought Gina to a class party. Gina slipped behind the Christmas tree and stuck a fork or something into an outlet. The poor little girl was terrified. I have so many good memories with her when we were adults. From pumpkin carving to birthday parties to our girls trips and on and on. A highlight for me was when Gina would sing. I loved anything and everything she sang, but her rendition of Elton John’s “Daniel” absolutely melted me. She sang it to Connie & me once for our birthdays and it was the best gift ever. I will never ever forget her, that beautiful smile and her gorgeous shining eyes.
    May God give you all comfort & peace to get thru this awful time of mourning and the many years to come. Hugs to you all.

  64. I am very sad after hearing this news. Gina was always fun to be around! So creative and musical! Sending prayers to you all!

  66. I am the Public Address Announcer at Custer County HS in Miles City. I had the privilege of meeting Gina during the 4-C Basketball Tournament. She always had a smile on her face. You can see the students truly respected her. I will miss her infectious personality. God grant her peace and your family the strength to endure her passing.

  67. I first met Gina on our North American Band tour to Europe. Little did we know that years later she would teach music to my granddaughter. She touched the lives of so many people. So sorry for your loss.

  68. My deepest condolences to the FitzGerald family and the community of Jordan. I have not seen Gina in years but lived right across the creek from her as a child. I remember playing at the FitzGerald house many times in the short time I lived in Jordan. Gina was one of my very first friends and remained so from K-4th grade. Her obituary is wonderful and truly depicts what an amazing lady she was. My sincere sympathy is extended to the FitzGerald family and the community of Jordan as you have lost a dynamic lady who most certainly will have left a hole in the lives of many and a legacy in her passing.

  70. John and Karen, she will always be Little Gina to me. We always enjoyed being around her, blue eyes and involved in everything. To say how proud you are of her must be an understatement
    I read her obituary and realized how talented that young lady is. We are so sorry for your loss. Having just lost Tricia we understand how fragile life is. Our prayers are with you and your family. Uncle Tom

  71. Losing a child is truly one of the hardest things ever and my thoughts are with all of Gina’s family through this time. I don’t think I ever ran into her at the post office, grocery store or anywhere that she wasn’t humming. Didn’t even need to see her to know who it was. My sincere condolences.

  72. How rare to be so young and leave so many wonderful memories that can never be taken away. Praying for you to feel
    Gods love surround you and give you strength.

  74. To Gina’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed the time Gina and I got to spend at the music meetings and festivals talking about school and life. She helped me with an interview for my Masters and I so enjoyed the lunch we had and the great conversation. Gina will be sorely missed in the community and at the upcoming district music events. Prayers for her family and friends.

  75. My heart breaks for Gina’s family. She was a wonderful and loving person. Thoughts and prayers

  76. John and Karen and all the family—
    My heart is so heavy as I write this. I pray for you all and such a loss to our community and certainly for the school. I pray that God will lift your burden and give you the strength you need in these hard days. I love you and pray for you. (I will send money to the school in her memory.

  77. My sincerest condolences to the entire family. Gina was a bright, shining light in the world. I’m so very sorry for the injustice of her passing.

  78. I’m so sorry to hear of Gina’s passing. She was a wonderful person and teacher, and one of the happiest people I’ve ever known. Our prayers are with all of you.

  79. What a tremendous loss to the community. Gina was one of the kindest and friendliest people I have ever met. Sending many prayers for all of her family and friends.

  80. I did not have a chance to meet Gina personally only through her ever giving helpfulness and kindness and through a powerful testimonial Sue gave to me and the board of EMRA. Gina donated her sound system and her time teaching Sue how to run it for a symposium our group put on. Sue told us how Gina was her “Go to Gal” for alot of things. Reading through the testimonies of all her family and friends it is obvious the amount of people she touched and helped even people like myself that only new her kind soul and helping heart.

  81. My husband Paul has a ‘67 T-Bird and we got to know Gina at the many car shows we both attended. What a beautiful soul Gina was! We absolutely loved running into her no matter where we were. You all will be in our prayers.

  82. We are praying for comfort for all who loved Gina (and there were many). Until you meet again in Glory, may your memories sustain you.

  83. Our sincere thoughts and prayers to all of Gina’s family, friends and students. The loss of someone so special is so very hard. Gina was a friend and a classmate who always had a smile and something nice to say when just bumping into her. Her kind soul will be missed by all who knew her and her love for music will be missed by any and all that ever heard her play or sing. Much love and many prayers to each of you.

  85. Shawn, Sue, and family, My prayers are lifted for you in this very difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.

  86. My deepest sympathy to John, Karen and all the family. May God’s comforting arms hold you through this difficult time.

  87. John , Karen and family. My sincere condolences to you all. What a loss to all. My prayers are with you.

  88. So very sorry for your loss. Gina was a great friend & so many memories of being classmates. She will be missed. Sending Peaceful Healing Vibrations Your Way. Blessed Be )O(

  89. My ❤ 🙏 and Condolences, to John,Karen,Shawn,Chad and Ext. Family. Gina was a Beautiful Human Being , One of Kind, Irreplaceable. I’m Shocked and Sad .
    Rest in Peace ~ You Sweet Soul !

  90. God must have needed more music teachers…
    There’s going to be a lot more wings in our skies so heads up and smile when you see them 🥀

  91. Mario Guatti and my family from Patagonia Argentina

    Gina was my SISTER from the botton of my harth. She was a great Human Being.
    I will remenber you and I always be grateful to her and her entire family who treated me like another son.
    Thanks you.
    Rest in Peace.
    You Brother Mario

  93. What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. So very sorry for the huge heartache you have.

  94. Dear John, Karen, Shawn, Chad and families. What a beautiful sermon and tribute to Gina. I don’t remember a time not knowing your family. My heart hurts for you all. Our community is going miss the love and time she shared with everyone. She has such a legacy here and beyond. God bless you with comfort, love, and healing. God will be blessed to have her in His choir. Love, Lynn Stanton

  95. I am so terribly sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. You will be in my prayers and may God bring you solace in this most tragic time.

  97. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Gina’s family and friends. I was sad and shocked to see this. Gina and I became friends during high school. Back in the days when the schools fed the sports teams after the game before putting us back on the road home! We always found a minute at the 4-C to visit and catch up on life. She was a special gal.

  98. John, Karen, & family
    So very sad to hear of your loss-thoughts & prayers to you all-
    Only met Gina the one time up South Fork, when you came up
    snowmobiling, but she was a pistol!

  99. Gina, laughing, humming, singing, all the time, everywhere. so happy and helping people. The music programs so fun for everyone. Her special touch reverberated happiness through space and time. We extend condolences to the family, friends and all who knew her.

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