Nov 29, 2016 2 min read

Mary Imilda (Bizub) Fitzwater, 85, of Lake Monticello, Palmyra, Virginia, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at the hospice care facility in Charlottesville, Virginia.

She was born on May 13, 1931, in Nemacolin. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and August Bizub; her three sisters and six brothers.

She is survived by the love of her life and devoted husband for the last 62 years, Marcellus Fitzwater; a sister-in-law, Mary Ann Bizub; a brother-in-law, John Paidakovich and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary played the trumpet in her Carmichaels, high school band and the township marching band. Throughout her life she enjoyed playing the piano and organ which were pleasure-filled, quality times for herself, her husband, and the canine member of the family. She thoroughly enjoyed singing with the Lake Monticello Coast Guard Chorus which included a performance at the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel as well as other Coast Guard functions.

Mary had a green thumb when it came to tomato plants and her various flower gardens. She was also a prolific reader, especially enjoying all of James A. Michener’s historically based novels, reading most for a second time. Of special interest and joy to Mary was playing duplicate bridge with her favorite partner, her husband, and interacting with all the other players at the Jefferson Bridge Association games in Charlottesville. She was an integral part of the bridge group and considered them as family.

Mary loved life and particularly enjoyed meeting and striking up friendships with most everyone she met. She was a generous and very compassionate person and would take on the trials and tribulations of others as if they were her own. She leaves a huge hole in the hearts of those who knew her, and she will be sorely missed.

The Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home of Carmichaels, is in charge of funeral arrangements. As per Mary’s request, a private graveside service will be held at the Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Crucible.

Memorial donations can be made to the charity of your choosing or to the Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, VA 22911. www.hopva.org