Audrey V. FitzSimmons

FRANKLIN - Audrey Vivian FitzSimmons passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 12, 2018, less than two years after the death of her loving husband Frederic. She was born on December 8, 1929 in Quincy, MA to Chester and Vivian Baker. She graduated from Oliver Ames High School.

She was the beloved mother of nine children. Susan and Dan Burns of Enosburg, VT, Carol and Richard Fontinha of Mars Hill, Maine, Michael and Jane FitzsSimmons of Brockton, MA, Ann and Bill Tucker of Middleboro, MA, James FitzSimmons and friend Lisa Wong of West Bridgewater, MA, Joseph and Jennifer FitzSimmons of St Albans, VT, Julie and George Tavares of Leland, MA, Janet and Paul Wells of Castle Hayne, NC and Mary FitzSimmons and Rick Bence of Swansea, MA. She was a grandmother to 36 grandchildren and many more great and great, great grandchildren.

She worked for many years as a Home Health Aide and as a nurses aide at Forest Manor Nursing Home in Middleboro, MA and at Brockton Hospital. She retired in 1991. Shortly after retirement, Audrey and Frederic sold the homestead in Brockton and bought land in Franklin, VT where they made a new home in what is lovingly referred to by all as The Barn. This was their forever home for the remainder of their days.

She was actively involved in Franklin United Church and the women of the Franklin Historical Society. You could always find her helping out with the luncheons, the ice cream socials and preparing meals for families in the community.

Audrey was always known as Gramma or Mumma to everyone. She was a remarkable, selfless woman who taught us all by example. She was hard working, compassionate, tireless, silly, sarcastic at times and above all, loving. An amazing woman, with a strong faith in God. She lived her life loving Him and pouring that love out to everyone she met. A trip to the grocery store was a chance to reunite with old friends and meet new ones. Her eyes would dance when she looked at you and she had a gift for drawing people into conversation and made everyone she met feel at ease. She was playful and would challenge anyone to arm wrestle any time, anywhere!

She was kind to everyone. Any stranger would become a new friend to our Mom. Even if there was an unexpected guest at Christmas, she was sure to have a gift tucked away somewhere to give to them.

She loved to go to yard sales and could find the beauty and joy in the littlest trinket.

And of course Sunday dinners were the best! The barn would be crowded with family, love, laughter and always way too much food! Her roast beef was legendary. It was her greatest joy to be surrounded by family and friends. She never forgot a birthday and baked us endless cakes to celebrate.

Our beautiful Mother, please know that you made us smile whenever you walked through the door. You always had a story to tell or a memory to brighten our day. Happiness is all you ever bestowed upon all those around you. Our hearts were always lifted whenever you were around. So beautiful a lady to walk this earth. Soar on eagles wings dear Mumma.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 1:00 PM at the East Franklin Union Church, 4610 Lake Road/Vermont Route 120, East Franklin with Rev. Dr. Jason McConnell officiating. Interment will follow in the East Franklin Cemetery.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, April 20, 2018 from 4-7 PM at the Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com