Patricia Fitzsimmons

Patricia (Pat) Wallett Fitzsimmons passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in Pillsbury Manor South in South Burlington.
Pat was born in Rutland on March 8, 1925, the daughter of the late Francis and Gertrude (Carmody) Wallett. She was the widow of Robert Fitzsimmons, who predeceased her March 30, 1967. They were married June 11, 1949, and moved to Burlington shortly thereafter. Bob was a professor of Animal Science at the University of Vermont and a prominent dairy cattle judge.
Pat was educated in Rutland schools and graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy. Upon completion of high school, she was employed as a telephone operator in Rutland. After her husband's death, Pat worked as a manager at Sears Roebuck for 27 years to support her four children. For the past 20 years, Pat was a devoted volunteer at the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce. She was known for her love and devotion to her family and friends, incredible spirit and an unbelievable Irish wit.
Her survivors include her children and their spouses, Coleen and Bill Beck of Middlebury, Robert and Patricia Fitzsimmons of East Montpelier, Mark and Margaret Fitzsimmons of Alexandria, Va., and Lisa and Mark Quinlan of South Burlington; her grandchildren, Kathleen and her husband, Ben Adams, Timothy and Erin Fitzsimmons, Cara and Jack Fitzsimmons and Liam, Michaela, and Declan Quinlan. She is also survived by a sister, Mary Rita Wallett of Rutland; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Pat was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Claire and James Kearney; and her brother, Francis Wallett.
The family would like to offer countless thanks to the wonderful staff of Pillsbury Manor South, Home Instead Senior Care and Hospice of the Champlain Valley-VNA for their exemplary care and compassion. Special thanks are given to two remarkable caregivers, Cathy Hudson and Danielle Gigure for their unconditional love for Pat.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Ready Funeral Home, 261 Shelburne Road in Burlington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. Anthony's Church, Flynn Avenue, Burlington. Burial will follow at Resurrection Park on Hinesburg Rd., South Burlington.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Pat's memory to Hospice of the Champlain Valley - VNA, 110 Prim Road, Colchester VT 05446, or to the Humane Society of Chittenden County, 142 Kindness CT., South Burlington VT 05403. To send online condolences, please visit www.readyfuneral.com.