Merilda E. (Willette) Fitzpatrick
Peachtree City, GA
Merilda Emma (Willette) Fitzpatrick, 90, passed away on Tuesday September 8, 2015 at her home in Peachtree City, GA. She was born August 17, 1925 in Burlington, Vermont daughter of the late Charles and Alice (Maynard) Willette.
Merilda lived most of her life in the Burlington/Essex Junction area, but in her later years moved to Atlanta, Georgia to be near her sons Stephen and Scott. During her time in Georgia, she became a true Georgia Peach, and enjoyed her frequent trips to the North Georgia Mountains. She was an avid reader who averaged 3 books a week. She loved to knit, and reveled in experimenting with new colors and textures of yarn. She enjoyed the outdoors, whether it be cruising on the ocean, or watching the many cardinals and hummingbirds that frequented her yard. Bingo was one of her favorite activities, and she always had a smile when she travelled back to Vermont and was able to go to the local Bingo. Her bucket list included attending a Red Sox game and a NASCAR race, which she checked off her list with gusto - her face would light up whenever she recalled those events. She was quietly funny, with a wicked sense of humor that most would not expect.
Merilda is survived by her 4 sons Bernard Fitzpatrick and wife Judy of Essex, Thomas Fitzpatrick and wife Sandie of Milton, Stephen Fitzpatrick of Atlanta, Georgia; Scott Fitzpatrick and his former husband Jay Watkins of Atlanta, Georgia; 5 daughters Christina Barkley and husband Dan of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; Mary Weston and husband Ron of Essex; Cynthia Blackmore of Essex; Kathleen Murray and husband Pat of Georgia, Vermont Deborah Bissonnette and husband Mark of Milton; son-in-law Paul St. Gelais of Milton; 8 grandsons, 8 granddaughters, 13 great grandsons, 12 great granddaughters, 2 great-great grandsons; many nieces and nephews.
She was also predeceased by parents, her husband Bernard Fitzpatrick, her daughter Sandy St. Gelais, brother Charles Willette and her sister Alice Fortas, son-in-law Robert Blackmore, and granddaughter-in-law Penny (Newman) Weston.
Merilda was blessed to have her loving and supportive extended family Mini Torres, Janelle Miller, Azor Allyn, and John Workman.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday September 15, 2015 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 pm at A W Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel, 57 Main St. Essex Jct., VT 05452. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday September 16, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Church with Reverend Charles Ranges, S.S.E. officiating. Burial will follow in the family lot in Fairview Cemetery, Essex Jct. Memorial contributions in Merilda’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495. The family invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com