Francine C. Fitz

Francine C. (Gunter) Fitz, 58, of Worcester, passed away, Sunday, November 29, 2009 at home surrounded by her loving family after a long battle with cancer. Her husband of fourteen years, William Henry Fitz, Jr. passed away in February 1997. She is survived by two daughters, Charmas Fitz and her companion Patrick Compere of Worcester, Tylea Fitz Gonzalez of Buffalo, NY; two sons, William Henry "BJ" Fitz III of Worcester and Johnathan Lee Ramos of Fitchburg; her mother Dorothy Burns of Fitchburg, a mother-in-law, Joanne Fitz of Fitchburg; four stepchildren, Shika Monte-Collins, Delmisha and Jalisa Collins all of Becklee, VA. and Markell Collins of Fitchburg; a sister, Brenda Phillips of Yonkers, NY; four sisters-in-law; Mary Fitz-Perry and her husband Leroy of Mount Vernon, NY, Alicia Fitz, Louella Doss and her companion Silas Dobson, and Leona Shaw and her husband Freeman all of Fitchburg; two brothers-in-law, Curtis Fitz, and Keith Spinner of Fitchburg; two grandchildren, Nihje Fitz-Perkins and Jahque Fitz-Compere, seven step-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. She's predeceased by a daughter Tamara Gunter, her brother-in-law Charles Phillips and her father-in-law, William Henry Fitz, Sr. Francine was born in Richmond, Virginia, and at the age of five she moved to Fitchburg where she resided for 49 years before moving to Worcester four years ago. She went to school at Saint Joseph's School and later graduated from Fitchburg High School. She later received her Bachelor's Degree in Business from University of Massachusetts Amherst. Francine was the supervisor and customer service representative for Protocol in Worcester for many years. She worked for Rockport/Reebok Company as a receiving and shipping manager and later as a supervisor for Prefer Labor Temp Agency. Francine was a member of a twelve step fellowship; she loved to cook but most of all enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren. She was a proud example for other women seeking recovery, a surrogate mother for many and will be greatly missed by all. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Friday, December 4th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. with a service at 6:00 p.m. in the funeral home. According to her wishes Francine will be cremated. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to: William "BJ" Fitz and or Charmas Fitz.