Patricia "Trish" Fitzgerald

In Loving Memory of Patricia “Trish” Fitzgerald

A Life of Grace, Love, and Faith

With heavy hearts — yet with faith in God’s promises — family and friends share the passing of Patricia “Trish” Fitzgerald, age 81, of Gallatin, Tennessee.

Trish had been courageously walking through the difficult journey of dementia in recent years, facing each day with the quiet strength, dignity, and grace that defined her life. Following complications from a recent fall, surgery, and her ongoing health challenges, the Lord gently called her home on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Born in Nashville in 1944, Trish was raised with strong family values and a deep sense of compassion for others. She lived her life guided by kindness, devotion, and an unwavering love for those around her. Her faith was often reflected not only in words, but also in the way she cared for others — with patience, generosity, and a welcoming heart.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and high school sweetheart of more than 50 years, Ernie Fitzgerald; her parents, Sam and Hattie Lou Cagle; her brother, Sam Jr. (Rose); her sister, Carolyn (Don) Harlow; and her aunt, Sally Cagle (Lamar) Chessor. She has left behind her cousins, Don (Vicki) Chessor, Sam (Cindy) Chessor, and Carol (Don) Spicer. Trish also lovingly embraced what she often considered her “adopted” family and their families — Lisa (Dale) Willett, Paul R. Goode, and Darla Wilkerson. Trish had made many close friends over the years and they were her family, including Sharon McFarlin, Gail (Tom) Donaldson, Betty (Gary) Ingrum, Terri (Robert) Hahn, Pat (Jim) Moore, the Kissinger family, the Deppler family and many others — along with a wide circle of dear friends and neighbors who were truly like family to her, including those who provided her home health care over the past few years and not to mention her love for all her rescue dogs, Annie, Suzie, Jake, Sugar and many more.

In 1962, Trish married the love of her life, Earnest “Ernie” Fitzgerald. Together, they built not only a successful life and business, but a partnership rooted in faith, trust, and shared purpose. Ernie founded Custom Homes, Inc. and Fitzgerald Construction, with Trish faithfully working beside him as his assistant, partner, and steady presence behind the scenes. In the construction and business world, they helped shape parts of Middle Tennessee, including developments such as Twitty City, Tanasi Shores, Lake Rise, and many more. They were active civic leaders helping to shape Hendersonville & Sumner County, long-standing members at Blue Grass County Club, and much more.

In every way, Trish was Ernie’s partner — in-business, in life, and in spirit. Alongside their friend and assistant Terri Hahn, they co-authored Custom Homes: A Guide to Homebuilding in 1997. Together, Trish and Ernie shared more than 50 beautiful years of marriage before his passing in 2013 — years marked by love, service, laughter, and meaningful friendships.

Trish had a true gift for making others feel at home. Whether through a shared meal, a holiday gathering, a thoughtful gesture, or simply a warm welcome at her door, she lived out the quiet ministry of hospitality. She loved cooking, decorating, celebrating life’s moments, shopping, dining out, and traveling — especially on cruises with Ernie — but more than anything, she loved being surrounded by the people she cared for - especially Ernie.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, in the chapel of Hendersonville Memory Gardens. Visitation will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., with the funeral service at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Minister Steve Kirby. Interment will follow at Hendersonville Memory Gardens.

Pallbearers: Sam Chessor, Paul R. Goode, Gary Ingrum, Jim Moore, Eddie Kissinger, Christian Kissinger, Dale Willett, Andy Wilkerson.

Honorary Pallbearers: Robert Hahn, Jarrod Wilkerson, Walter Stubbs, Tom Donaldson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to causes close to Trish’s heart, including the Hendersonville Humane Society, or Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. https://www.sumnerhumane.org/page3

While she will be deeply missed here, we take comfort in knowing she is now at peace — reunited with Ernie, parents, family, and resting in the loving presence of her Savior.

“Well, done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

The family and friends are deeply grateful for the love, kindness, and devoted care provided by the staff at Hendersonville Memory Gardens.