Dana Leigh Fitzgerald

Indianapolis, Indiana – Dana Leigh Fitzgerald, 65, passed away on April 17, 2025.

Dana was born on November 5, 1959, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She came from modest beginnings, growing up with several siblings. As a child, she was the sweetest little girl — very creative and caring. She would sew clothes for her dolls, and later, for herself. Her love for cooking began early and stayed with her throughout her life. Her developing green thumb was nurtured over the years and flourished into a true talent. Home life was filled with ups and downs, lots of love, and the occasional scrap among siblings — all of which built a strong foundation of resilience, a trait that served her well.

Dana graduated from Tech High School. A self-taught and highly motivated woman, there was nothing she couldn’t accomplish. Shortly after graduation, she began her most important role as a mother. A dedicated parent, she stayed home with her two children for several years. With her natural gift for cooking, she eventually stepped into the culinary world professionally. Dana worked for Harold’s Catering and G.T. South’s before launching out on her own. Her first venture was Barton’s Café on Binford Boulevard. She later managed event catering at the Kindle Inn and co-ran a successful catering business, which eventually led her to open Fitzgerald’s Catering and then Fitzgerald’s Lunch House with her son, Kyle Fitzgerald.

Dana was incredibly proud of her children. She was a highly accomplished and respected businesswoman — smart, loyal, beautiful, and full of heart. She never met a stranger and could instantly ingratiate herself with her quick wit, offbeat humor, and modest demeanor. Her backyard garden — affectionately called “The Pergola” — was her sanctuary and favorite place to host loved ones. Thoughtful and detail-oriented, she made every birthday and holiday a memorable event. With a creative eye and resourceful spirit, she could do much with little. Her tablescapes and landscapes looked as though they came straight from the pages of Better Homes and Gardens.

Above all, Dana was defined by her love of family. She was a devoted daughter, sister, and mother. Whether running the Lunch House or hosting elegant dinners in the Pergola, nothing brought her more joy than sharing her time and love with her family.

Dana is preceded in death by her father, David Gunyon; her two younger sisters, Erin Colleen and Sandee Sue-Ellen; her first husband, Patrick Fitzgerald; and her first child, Justin Fitzgerald.

She is survived by her children, Dustin and Kyle Fitzgerald; her mother, Elizabeth Hamner; her partner, Bruce Borthwick; and her siblings: Mike Gunyon, Marc (Donna) Gunyon, Darryl (Kay) Gunyon, Elizabeth “Beth” Millard, Dale (Mark) Decker, Leland “Lee” Gunyon, Patrick Gunyon, Wendi (Rob) Smith, Kristine (Casey) Kehrer, William “Brad” Gunyon, and Merri “Brookey” Gunyon. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East (10722 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46229) from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with funeral services beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be private.