Susan Burt Fitzgerald

FITZGERALD Susan Burt “Susie” Age 76, of Wexford, PA, died August 20, 2015 from complications arising from heart surgery. She was surrounded by her family. Born July 9, 1939 to the late Olan P. Burt and Marjorie Jones of Columbus, OH. Beloved wife of 50 years to the late William Michael Fitzgerald; mother of Mollie Jean Fitzgerald and Michael (Kristene) Edward Fitzgerald; grandmother of Susan Abigail Larsen; and step-grandmother of Emily Nicole Matelan and Jeremy Wyatt Matelan. She is also survived by sister Mary-Jo (Steven) Shaffer of Columbus, OH; half sisters, Margaret (Dennis) Haire of Evansville, IN and Deborah Kitsen Burt of Westerville, OH; sister-in-law Sandra (Robert) Wesftall of Davis, CA; nephews Scott (Michelle) Shaffer, Andrew Shaffer and David (Monique) Haire; and niece Margaret (Ben) Lee. Preceded in death by brother, David Phillip Burt, she will also be mourned by her companions, Liza McDowell, Carole Sommer and Barbara Wilson, and her devoted garden team. A graduate of Upper Arlington High School, Susie earned her degree from Ohio State and taught third grade. After a brief stint as a flight attendant, she married her high- school sweetheart. The young couple moved to Pittsburgh to fulfill a shared dream, and in 1969, they co-founded Frontiers International, a pre-eminent travel service for discriminating sportsmen and non-sporting travelers alike. She was highly regarded as an icon and pioneer in the outdoor adventure travel business. An avid horticulturalist, Susie had one of the most admired private gardens in Western Pennsylvania where she loved to entertain and share her passion with others. Susie nurtured all living things, and her generosity and wisdom enriched each who knew her. A good cook, consummate hostess and devoted mother, she will be missed by her family, co-workers and friends from around the world. A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Sunday, September 13, 2015. Fittingly, we will celebrate her life in the garden she lovingly referred to as her “Green Cathedral,” where she sought much inspiration. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Susie’s memory may consider the following: The Cancer Caring Center of Pittsburgh (www.cancercaring.org) or The Drew Mathieson Center for Horticultural and Agricultural Technology (www.drewmathiesoncenter.com).

Susan Burt Fitzgerald

July 9, 1939 - August 20, 2015