Nancy A Fitzgerald

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nancy A. Fitzgerald, 86, of Topsfield, in the early morning hours of February 12, 2025, after a brief period of rapidly declining health.
Loving daughter of the late Konstantin and Marjorie (Baker) Dreiman, first generation immigrants from Latvia and Poland, Nancy grew up in the idyllic seaside town of Manchester-by-the Sea. Her early childhood years in the 1940's were frugal but edifying, with her parents instilling in her the values of discipline, sacrifice and gratitude for life's blessings.
Upon graduating from Manchester High School in 1957, and knowing the value of education, Nancy's parents encouraged her to continue her schooling, at which point she chose to attend Fisher Junior College in Boston. After attaining a 2-year secretarial degree, she accepted a job at Avco Corporation, where she eventually met her future husband James. A 2-year courtship led to marriage in June 1963, and the birth of their first child Lisa in June 1965.
In May 1969 the family moved from their first home in Beverly Farms to a family-friendly neighborhood in Topsfield, and for the next several years, Nancy enjoyed the lost art of homemaking and motherhood. During these years she also lent her support and secretarial skills to her husband's endeavor to establish his own architectural firm. In 1976, after many failed attempts for another child, they welcomed the adoption of a baby boy named Daniel. Nancy was thrilled to have another opportunity to love and nurture a child.
In the early 1980's, as her children grew older, Nancy returned to the work force, taking a secretarial position with the locally-based non-profit organization, International Desalination Association. It was a perfect fit for her and her skills, and she quickly became a valued and trusted employee. For the next 20 years she enjoyed the friendship of various colleagues and coworkers, along with many opportunities to travel.
But at home her husband James was beginning to have health challenges that could not be ignored. So upon retirement she devoted her time and energy to attending to her husband's medical issues, which seemed to mount with each passing year. Despite her husband's indomitable optimism and determination for recovery, as well as access to the finest medical care, James ultimately succumbed to heart failure in July 2017, leaving Nancy a heartbroken and bereaved widow.
Never one to seek sympathy, Nancy accepted the loss of her husband with amazing grace and courage, as she faced a future without her life's partner. In keeping with her own indomitable spirit, she found the fortitude and purpose to muster on, learning to relax and enjoy a life unburdened by constant commitments. Backyard birds, animal visitors and gardening gave her solace and comfort in days spent in remembrance and quiet contemplation.
Thanks to the help of family and community, Nancy succeeded in maintaining her ability to live independently in her years as a widow. As she wished, she passed in the comfort of her own home with her daughter Lisa by her side. Her spirit's departure was graced by the brightness of a full Snow Moon, which also coincidentally occurred in the days after her birth on January 31, 1939, 86 years ago.
Nancy is survived by her daughter Erica Lisa Khan of Gloucester, a son Daniel Fitzgerald and her brother Robert Dreiman of Kinston, NC. Nancy's family would like to thank the Topsfield Council on Aging, as well as numerous caring friends and neighbors who looked out for her in recent years, enabling her to remain living in her own home safely and independently. A special thanks to longtime neighbor Rick Alexander for his extraordinary thoughtfulness and generosity over the years, as well as longtime friend Charlotte Vallette, a fellow neighborhood elder. Your kindness is appreciated beyond words and will never be forgotten.
Funeral services for Nancy are private. Arrangements by the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly. Condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.