Martha A. Fitzgerald
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Martha A. Fitzgerald, age 78, passed away on August 23, 2026.
Martha was born on May 5, 1948, in Sac City, Iowa, to David and Evelyn Fitzgerald. She dedicated much of her life to caring for others through a long and meaningful career in nursing.
Martha began her nursing career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and continued her education, earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and later a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). She spent most of her nursing career at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, where she worked in critical care and the cardiac catheterization lab. For 12 years, Martha also served as a Life Flight nurse, a role that reflected her skill, dedication, and commitment to helping others during some of their most critical moments.
Martha was known as a perfectionist who took great pride in doing things the right way. She was deeply devoted to her patients, her work, and the crews with whom she served. Her impact on those around her was lasting. As one crew member shared, “We were a better flight crew because of her and the way she did things right.”
Martha was very proud of her Irish heritage and enjoyed researching her family history, tracing her roots back to Ireland. She treasured corresponding with relatives there and especially enjoyed the opportunity to meet cousins in Ireland.
Martha also had a special love for her dogs, especially her beloved Meg, who always had a way of brightening her day and bringing her comfort and companionship.
Martha is survived by her sisters, Mary Wright and Monica Fitzgerald, both of Des Moines, Iowa, as well as other family members and friends whose lives touched hers throughout the years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Evelyn Fitzgerald, and her brothers, Patrick and Marc Fitzgerald.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3663 66th Street, Urbandale, Iowa. Following the Mass, Life Flight will honor Martha and her many years of dedicated service with a flyover.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Oxfam America, 77 N. Washington Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02114, or online at https://give.oxfamamerica.org.
For family and friends who are unable to attend Martha Fitzgerald’s funeral service in person, a livestream will be available at the link below:
We invite you to join us online as we remember and honor Martha’s life.
After a lifetime of caring for others, Martha now has her heavenly wings. May she fly high and rest peacefully.