Barbara Fitzpatrick of Herscher, IL Passes Away

Barbara O. Fitzpatrick, 75, of Herscher passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.  Barbara was born April 5, 1936 in Columbus, OH, a daughter of Jack and Nora Gostrey O’Donnell.  She married Charles Fitzpatrick on September 13, 1978 in Joliet and he survives.  Other survivors include her children, Shannon Shepherd of Des Moines, IA, Rick (Betsy) Shepherd of Springfield, Dr. David Fitzpatrick DVM of Kankakee, Dan (Lisa) Fitzpatrick of St. Anne and Deb (Jeff) Caspary of Clifton; and eight grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents. 

Barbara and her husband had supported most of the AHHS programs concerning the breeding and showing of Hackney ponies for the last 25 years.  They have also bred, raised, nominated and shown their Hackney ponies in futurities throughout the Mid-West.  They have owned two outstanding sires, Apollo Spirit of 76 and Merrywill’s Patent Plus.  Their present stallion Fitz’s Heart-Throb has become a fine sire.  Some of the winners and champions that have been shown in hand are: Fitz’s Wild Orchid, Fitz’s Phantom, Fitz’s On Line, Fitz’s Beyond Imagination and AHHS Limited Breeders’ Stake winners Fitz’s Lasting Impression, Fitz’s Juke Box Joe, Fitz’s Allure, Fitz’s Hot Date and 2011 LBS winner Fitz's Domino.

A Private Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be made to Hospice of Kankakee Valley.  Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.