Michelle "Shelley" Fitzsimmons

Michelle (Shelley Goldman) Fitzsimmons, 51, of Hebron, passed away on March 17 at the Middlesex Memorial Hospital Hospice Unit. Shelley leaves behind her husband Mark, her two beloved children, Emily, 16 and Kyle, 12. She also leaves her mother, Helen Goldman and sister Debra Goldman and is predeceased by her father Milton D. Goldman.
Shelley was born in Middletown, Connecticut on July 13, 1961 and attended Middletown schools until she graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1979. Her childhood was spent at her family home on Randolph Road where she lived with her mom, dad, sister and her poodle, Puffy, a gift from her dad. She attended dancing school, could frequently be seen riding bikes with her many friends throughout the neighborhood, and as she got older, 4-H camp where she spent her summers as a camp counselor, and at her beloved Westbrook beaches. After graduation, she pursued a successful career in banking.
Shelley's husband and two children were her greatest joy. She stayed at home with her children since they were born, getting together with other moms and their little ones, attending Gymboree, the YMCA and other organized activities. As the children grew older, she proudly attended girl scouting activities, sports events and all school related activities in support of Emily and Kyle.
Her passions were cooking for her family and gardening. An accomplished cook and entertainer, Shelley's kitchen island was the hub of activity in the home, where conversations, laughs, meals and snacks with her family and friends would take place. Shelley was always ready to offer a meal or a drink to any friend who entered her home, a warm and loving environment created by her unique sense of style and warmth.
Anyone entering her long driveway could see the love and time Shelley put into her gardens. She could always be seen splitting and planting her beautiful perennials, and flower baskets. There were gorgeous wreaths on her doors, appropriate for the season, festive holiday decorations in her home throughout the year and many green plants. Her flowers could often be seen on the pages of Facebook where she shared positive messages with friends old and new.
Shelley will be remembered by her husband and children as a loving wife and mother who placed her family above all else. She will be remembered by her friends for her funky hair and glasses, unique sense of style, quirky sense of humor and warmth.
Services in memory of Shelley will take place at D'Angelo Funeral Home, 22 South Main Street, Middletown, CT 06457 on Thursday, March 21st from 5pm-7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Middlesex Hospice and Palliative Care Unit, Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457