Edith "Grammie" Mary FitzSimmons

Edith was preceded in death by her husband, Esmond Cyril FitzSimmons, and siblings Trento, Stephen, Amelia, Peter and Vincent Picillo, all of Danvers, Massachusetts. She was born May 20, 1922 in Danvers to the late Peter and Eugenia Picillo, who emigrated from Avellino, Italy, in the early 1900s.

After high school, Edith attended business college before marrying her brother’s good friend, “Fitzi,” in 1947. As a military wife, she lived in many places, including Connecticut, Germany, California and Florida, before the family ultimately settled in Newport News, Virginia. She worked for the VA Hospital in Hampton, Virginia, for 32 years as a secretary in the Rehabilitation Department and attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Newport News for many years.

She is survived by daughter Eugenia Cherry and husband Robert and daughter Kathleen FitzSimmons, all of Newport News, Virginia, and grandchildren Robert Cherry III and fiancée Mackenzie Smith, Adam Cherry and wife Lisa, Colleen Liguria and husband Sal, Nathan Cherry and wife Heather, sisters-in-law Elizabeth Picillo and Shirley Picillo, nephews Peter, Paul, David, Dana and Kenny Picillo, nieces Judy Smith and Ellen Powers and cousins Mary and Dick LaMontagne and their children’s families.

Affectionately known as “Grammie,” Edith was an avid Red Sox fan. Those who knew and loved her will forever remember her sweet, kind spirit, Boston accent and gentle sense of humor.

Her family will receive guests at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, December 17 in the mausoleum chapel of Parklawn Memorial Park in Hampton for those who would like to pay their respects prior to the 2 p.m. funeral service.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.