Sharon Ann Fitzgerald was born August 19, 1950, in Denver, Colorado to Ray and Ann Hebenstreit. She spent her childhood summers at the ranch homesteaded by her maternal grandparents in north central Colorado. When the time came to choose a college, she followed in the footsteps of a beloved uncle who had attended the University of Wyoming. She was a member of Chi Omega, graduating with an English degree in 1972.
She met her husband of 47 years, James Fitzgerald, at her freshman class orientation, but their first date was two years later when Jim was home on military leave. They married in 1972.
After graduating from college, Sharon spent four years teaching, including a year in Burns, Wyoming. She then returned to the University of Wyoming to study law, graduating in 1979. The Wyoming Supreme Court had recently instituted judicial clerkships for top law graduates who worked for the Justices for terms of one to two years, performing legal research. She clerked for Justice McClintock and upon his retirement, for Justice Brown.
She then started her own private practice in Cheyenne. After a few years, she and Jim formed the Fitzgerald Law Firm. Over the course of her career, she won 29 of the 30 appeals she argued in the Wyoming Supreme Court. The American Academy of Appellate Advocates recognized her skill and elected her to membership. Sharon was a stellar example of what an attorney should be: a thoughtful and diligent advocate for her clients, always doing her utmost to assist those in need.
Although her accomplishments as a lawyer were many, she was most proud of her family. While attending law school, Sharon had her first son, Daniel (Heather), raising him and four more wonderful children: Sarah (Jason), Kathleen (Christopher), Michael (Julianne), and Thomas (Monica), all while practicing law. Sharon deeply loved her children and was dedicated to them from the day they were born.
Her family was the most important thing to Sharon, and she passed her family values on to her five children who are close friends and always help and support each other. In recent years, she joyfully welcomed four grandchildren: Theodore, Oliver, Imogen, and Leah. Sharon’s love extended to all who came into contact with her. She always had a huge smile and welcomed everyone who walked through the door.
Sharon died peacefully on July 18, 2019, surrounded by her husband James and all of her children. In addition, she is survived by her two brothers-in-law, Thomas (Philecia) Fitzgerald of Cheyenne and John (Mollie) Fitzgerald of Hermosa Beach, California and their families, and two sisters-in-law, C.J. (Matt) Waters of Mercer, Pennsylvania, and Susan (Bryan) Fitzgerald of Sandy, Utah and her family, and numerous nephews, nieces, aunts and cousins. Dr. Phyllis Kinney, long-time companion of B.J. Fitzgerald, Sharon’s father-in-law, also survives her.
Sharon’s remains will be interred at Greenhill Cemetery in Laramie at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 2nd, which will be followed by a Celebration of Life at the Alice Hardie Stevens Center at the Ivinson Mansion at 3:00pm. All are invited to attend either or both.
Dear Jim and family. I was deeply sadend to hear of Sharon's passing. I have wonderful memories of growing up with with Sharon. She was a kind, careing, and loving woman who will be truly missed by myself and my family. My most heartfelt condolences. Linda (Arnone) Nashofer
I am so sorry for Your loss. I have many food memories of sharon and family and think of you all often. I am very sad that I couldn't make it today. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Warm sweet and welcoming...with eyes that smiled genuinely on their own. When the memory of someone is all good, then the person was very, very special. My love to the whole family for your loss. Sharon will be missed.
I am sorry to hear about your famalies loss. I am sad for you all. When in your offices recently we saw many touches of her throughout the building. We pray peace for your family and comfort as you learn to live on with your new kind of normal without Sharon.
Jim, Dan, Sarah, Katie, Michael, Tom & Family - We have a lot of fond memories of Sharon. She was always so kind to us and caring - she would make sure our Mom (Stella) didn't miss many school programs and even while I attended UW (Patrick) she checked in with me to make sure school was going well. We are so sorry for your loss and sad we will miss Sharon's Celebration of Life. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Fondly, Patrick, Clint, Stella and Dave
Jim and Family, I heard from your classmates in Evanston about Sharon's passing. As you proceed through the void of grieving please work to remember your friends are near and thinking about you. As I read her obituary it become evident that she is the foundation of your family and will remain so. Take care of each other, hold each other close and , over time, let the great memories you have filter into and ease the void in which you find yourself. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Your friends. Jim and Donelle Lowham
As our bright lights dimmed, the stars in heaven are surely shinning brighter. Sharon bought laughter to sadness, smiles to replace tears, and a patience that has seen no boundaries. I greatly admired and appreciated all her assistance from Brownie Scouts to Prep Lunch times. I will miss her hugs, attitude and smile. May you find peace knowing she touched so many lives with such a positive outlook.
Jim, I was so sorry to read of Sharon's passing. I always thought of her as such a kind person and a great lawyer. I know that Archie thought the world of her, and there was no better judge of character than him. My thoughts are with you and your family. Sincerely, Judy Pacheco
Dear Jim and Family; It is with deep sadness hearing of the passing of Sharon. My sincere and deepest sympathy go out to you and your family. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. My you find peace and comfort knowing she is in a better place.
Jim and family. I’m so very sorry to learn of your loss. Sharon was such a kind, gentle woman. She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have known her - even if only briefly.