Beatrice L. Fitzgerald

Beatrice Lenda Fitzgerald, 86, widow of Charles J. Fitzgerald Sr., formerly of 338 Maple Avenue, Old Saybrook, died peacefully on Sunday March 4, 2012, at the home of her daughter and son in law, Lynn and Wayne Walker, in Niantic, surrounded by her three children and family.

Bea, as she was affectionately known, was a strong women, both as the loving matriarch of her family, and as a successful real estate professional. She along with her husband owned and operated Fitzgerald Real Estate for 45 years. She lived to sell and loved to decorate.

Raised by Polish immigrant parents, she was blessed with an extraordinary bold and vivacious spirit. She loved to make people laugh and share in her passion for life. Her 86 years were filled with singing, dancing, laughing, and fun in the sun. Bea was an inspiration to all who crossed her path.

Beatrice was a member of The Old Saybrook Women’s Club, The Shoreline Board of Realtors, and St. John’s Catholic Church.

She is survived by three children: Lynn F. Walker, and her husband Wayne, of Niantic, Jan Fitzgerald Briscoe, and her husband Chip, of Old Lyme, and Charles J. Fitzgerald Jr., and his wife Jane, of Old Saybrook; seven granddaughters: Tuesday Walker, Katey Walker, Laura Walker, Meghan Fitzgerald, Carey Fitzgerald, Sarah Fitzgerald Briscoe, and Kim Dubey; one great granddaughter, Julia Walker; and two sister in laws: Gloria F. Cahill and Barbara Fitzgerald.

She is now reunited with her predeceased eight brothers and sisters: Bill Lenda, Ben Lenda, Frank Lenda, Lottie Tirrell, Sadie Vordenbaum, Mary Barrett, Florence Botelle, and Joan Lenda.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of Southestern CT.

Calling hours are at Swan Funeral Home, Boston Post Road in Old Saybrook, from 10-11:30 on Thursday March 8, 2012, followed by a noon Mass at St John’s Catholic Church on Main Street, Old Saybrook. Christian burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Middletown. Please visit www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook for condolences and tributes.