Eleanor Plantner Fitz

Eleanor Plantner Fitz, age 83 of Fairfield, ended her courageous battle with cancer peacefully on December 2, 2014 with the comfort of her family. Eleanor was born on March 23, 1931 in Cleveland Ohio to the late James and Barbara Plantner. She joined the United States Navy WAVES during the Korean conflict, meeting her husband of 59 years while serving in the Pentagon. After leaving the Navy she and Edward settled in Fairfield where they raised their family. She was employed for 24 years at the University of Bridgeport and during her retirement took great joy in volunteering time as a reader to 2nd grade students at the Blackum School for 12 years. She also devoted 750 hours as a volunteer at the Veterans Hospital in West Haven alongside her good friend Martha. Eleanor continued her military support with memberships in the WAVES National Unit 82 CT Mariners, the American Legion Post 143 and its' Auxiliary as well as the National Association of Navel Veterans Port 5 of Bridgeport. She was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Fairfield and its Women's Association. Of all Eleanor's accomplishments in life the ones she was most proud of defined her as an individual and speak volumes to her character and sweet nature, her devotion to her husband, children and grandchildren. She will always be remembered as a gentle soul, loyal wife, nurturing mother, adoring grandmother, supportive sister, trusted friend and true animal lover. Eleanor is survived by her husband Edward J. Fitz, Jr daughter Ellie Fitz Susmeyer and husband Joseph of Easton, son Edward J. Fitz III and wife Tenya Marie Economou Fitz of Woodbury, and son James Fitz and wife Anne Mays Fitz of Fairfield, and grandchildren, Lindsey Susmeyer Giliberto and husband Paul, Joseph Susmeyer, James Fitz and Michael Fitz. She was predeceased by her sister Helen Chvosta of Maple Heights Ohio. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Fairfield. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Eleanor's memory to Vitas Innovative Hospice, 99 Hawley Lane, Suite 1204, Stratford, CT 06614. The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to Donna Kelly, RN for the care and compassion provided to Eleanor and her family during her illness. For information or to sign the online guest book please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com