Melissa Fitzgerald, age 34, passed away on December 19th 2017, at her home in San Tan Valley, Arizona.

Melissa was born in Waukesha Wisconsin on May 19, 1983 to John and Debbie Cronin. She was the third of three.

Fiercely independent, at 17 Melissa moved out of her parent's home and went immediately into the workforce. She later got the job that would define most of her life: as a 911 dispatcher for Rural Metro. As a dispatcher, Melissa's inherent abilities were realized and further enhanced and she was recognized and appreciated by all the fire and medical crews she dispatched. That appreciation deepened when Melissa met Charles "Chuck" Fitzgerald, a battalion chief with Rural Metro. The two were married in Eagar, AZ on October 11, 2011. Melissa's gift to Chuck for their first anniversary was their son, Jack, who was born on October 30, 2012. Melissa was also a mother to Stacey, her niece, and Jordon, her step-daughter, with whom she was extremely close and loved dearly. Melissa is also survived by her father, John; brother, Jaime; grandfather, Tom; and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. She is preceded in death by her mother Debbie and brother Nicholas.

Melissa was a loving wife and mother and a staunch friend. She had huge heart, and was always planning her next adventure, often dragging (sometimes literally) others along for the time of their lives. She was spontaneous, obnoxious and hilarious; complex, yet simple, and straightforward. The many trials she endured in her too short life gave her both a reluctance to let people in, and an overwhelming desire to keep those people in and not let go. To those who knew her well, she had a vast amount of empathy as well as an inclusive and loving demeanor, which she shared often. Her greatest joy was her son Jack, whom she cherished. She will truly be missed by all those that both knew her and knew of her.

Visitation for Melissa will be, Thursday, December 28th from 5-7 PM at San Tan Mountain View Funeral Home, 21809 South Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, Az 85142.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, December 29th at 9 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 20615 East Ocotillo Road Queen Creek Az 85142.