Lila Fitzgerald Moylan
September 29, 1933 – June 30th, 2025
With profound love, we announce the passing of Lila Fitzgerald Moylan, a caring wife and mother with charming Irish wit and boundless love and energy for her family and friends blessed enough to be a part of her life. Her life was firmly rooted in her Catholic faith and especially the Holy Spirit and Mary, Mother of Jesus. She made sure we appreciated and saw our individual spirituality of our Catholic faith.
Lila was born on the south side of Chicago on September 29, 1933, to her loving parents Mary (Curran) and Bill Fitzgerald, joining her older brother Bill. The four moved to Glendale, California, where her mother was a homemaker and her father worked for the Wallace Pencil Company, sold aluminum siding, but later worked in the teller cages and back offices of California’s storied horse racing circuit. Mom always said she felt so loved. Lila attended Holy Family Catholic School in Glendale and graduated from UCLA in 1956 with a degree in education. After a few months in Hawaii, she and her friends received an invite from their close friend Mary Hogan McGuire, who encouraged them to visit her in Omaha as there where “all these single, Irish Catholic boys”. On her way to visit New York City, Mom stopped in Omaha to visit Mary. She met her future husband and “it took her 20 years to get to New York”. They were engaged on St. Patrick’s Day in 1960, married in Los Angeles on July 9th, 1960, surrounded by their families and a few close friends. Jim, the “honeymoon baby”, was born April 20th, 1961. Three high school Californians: Lila, Mary, & Carol O’Leary were lifelong friends who met their husbands in Omaha and together lovingly raised their families here. Lila taught school at Corrigan School in South Omaha for a few years and never lost interest in education. She later worked with children in the Westside Middle School library after school across the street from the family home.
Mom was always a California gal who loved the beach, the sunshine, sunsets, and the water. We visited California every two years to visit our Fitzgerald cousins and Mom flourished during these visits. Mom enjoyed being Irish, reading books, solving crossword puzzles, and keeping a calendar. Her hobbies in life were her children’s hobbies and activities. She was dedicated full time to her husband Jim, her six children and spouses, and her grandchildren. She filled her days with everything family. She inspired meaningful relationships with her family and friends with love and gratitude. She was truly adored by all the Moylan and Fitzgerald cousins and family as well as many others to whom she was close. Many of our friends are still connected to her generous spirit in some way. Mom was forgiving and found the good in all…. except maybe a few high school referees. She had a way of making everyone feel they were special to her – and special to their world. We all felt we were her favorite! She taught us how to Love. She is the true Matriarch in the sense of Love and spirituality.
Preceded in death in 2015 by her husband, James H. Moylan, GG, as she is affectionally called by her grandchildren, is survived by children Jim, Mike (Sigrid), Pat (Beth), Jeannie McNamara (Bob), Mimi, Molly Sall (Craig) and her beloved grandchildren Bailee Eymer (Foster), Macie, Michael Moylan; Jack and Luke Moylan; Max, Addi, and Evan Moylan; TJ, Lila, Barry, and John McNamara; Caroline, Zach, and Connor Sall. All of which knew they were dearly loved.
Visitation: Monday, July 7th, from 5-7pm at Christ the King Catholic Church (654 S. 86th Street) with Vigil Service at 7pm.
Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, July 8th, 10am at Christ the King Catholic Church
Interment: Calvary
Memorials are suggested to the Ronald McDonald House or to the Fr. Tom Fangman Alumni Scholarship c/o Christ the King Catholic Church.
To view a Live Broadcast of the Vigil Service and Funeral Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and press the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
10 Comments
Dear Pat and family: I am so sorry to hear of the death of your dear mother! I remember you well from your time at Prep, and I remember your mother from those many years ago. I worked with your father when he was on the SJH board. I will offer Mass for your mother, and pray that God hold all of you close as you share loving memories of such a remarkable gift to your family and to the world.
Lila was such a wonderful woman. We enjoyed seeing your Mom and Dad on many occasions. I also taught at Corrigan School, many years after your Mom was there. Later I did some volunteer work with Homework Helpline at Westside Middle School and was so thrilled to work with Lila. May God grant all of you comfort. Your Mom and Dad are together!
Mike, Molly, Jim & all the Moylan family, we are sorry to learn about your Mom’s passing. She had a full life with lots family and laughs. We send you our prayers and sympathy.
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman! My condolences and prayers for your family!
Lila and Jim were such a lovely couple, so full of warmth and wit. She’s been too long separated from him; but glad for those grandchildren to have her for so long. Prayers for all of you.
Pat, and family soo sorry for your loss. May your Mom’s soul rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon her.. God Bless
Pat and family, we are sending prayers of comfort to you and are so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful woman she was, and I know she will be so greatly missed. I enjoyed reading about her and her meaningful life.
Aunt Lyla was fun to be around, and I will miss her wit. As a kid she used to pull me aside and ask questions about how I was doing and was genuinely interested in what I had to say. It made me feel important and special. She gave good advice and imparted optimism and positivity. I am sorry for your loss and send prayers.
Mike,
My thoughts and prayers for you and your family. You’ll miss Lila, such a great mom for you.
Lila was a kind and loving friend to my Mom and Dad. May her memory be a blessing to those who shared her life and loved her.
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