Mrs. Josephine "Joan" Fitzwilliams

Josephine M. “Joan” Fitzwilliams Former Sacred Heart Parishioner LOWELL—Josephine M. “Joan” (Brophy) Fitzwilliams, the beloved wife of the late Robert J. Fitzwilliams, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, July 24, 2011 at the Wingate of Belvidere Nursing Home. She was 87 years old. Joan was born in New York City on March 7, 1924, a daughter of the late Josephine (Keenan) Brophy and the late Mr. Brophy. She attended school in New York City, and was a graduate of Julia Richman High School in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. She met and married Robert J. Fitzwilliams after a roller skating date in New York City during WWII. They were married for 47 years and raised two wonderful daughters. They settled in Lowell and were residents of Crowley Street and parishioners of the Sacred Heart Church for over 50 years. Joan was active in the parish and was a member of the Holy Rosary Sodality. Joan remained at home while her girls were young and later was employed by the Raytheon Co. for over 16 years. Joan and her family enjoyed traveling. They had many summertime trips to New York City and Long Island to visit relatives. They also traveled to Colorado to see family there. She was fortunate enough to get to visit Ireland. Joan loved to ice skate. She was a very artistic. Joan also enjoyed the Arts - Broadway Shows, the Theater, and the many Art Museums that New York had to offer. Surviving Joan are her two daughters, Patricia Fitzwilliams of Lowell and Teresa Rogers and her husband Mark of Salem, NH; three grandchildren, Cindy Zabbo, Michael Zabbo, and Kerrin Zabbo; a great granddaughter, Shawna Zabbo; her brother, Joseph Brophy, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joan was the sister of the late James Brophy, John Brophy, and Mary Sheppard. FUNERAL NOTICE FITZWILLIAMS—In Lowell, July 24, 2011 at Wingate of Belvidere. Josephine M. “Joan” (Brophy) Fitzwilliams, widow of Robert J. Fitzwilliams. Family and friends may call at the FAY McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET, LOWELL on WEDNESDAY from 3 until 7 P.M. Mrs. Fitzwilliams' Funeral will begin on THURSDAY MORNING at 8 o’clock from the Funeral Home, followed by her Funeral Mass at 9 o’clock at HOLY FAMILY PARISH – ST. MARIE’S CHURCH, Corner of Chamberlain and Grafton Sts. Lowell. Burial will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Joan’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701. ARRANGEMENTS BY THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 978-459-9222. www.faymccabe.com

Mrs. Josephine "Joan" Fitzwilliams

March 7, 1924 - July 24, 2011