Obituary of Barbara A. (O'Connell) FitzGerald

Barbara A. (O’Connell) FitzGerald PEABODY – Barbara A. (O’Connell) FitzGerald, 89, beloved wife of James FitzGerald of Peabody, died peacefully on Saturday April 7, 2018 at the Continuing Care at Brooksby Village in Peabody, following an extended illness, while in the comforting presence of her family. Born in Medford, she was the daughter of the late William and Mary (McGrath) O’Connell. She grew up in Medford, and graduated from St. Clements High School in Somerville. Barbara later graduated from Katherine Gibbs School. She lived in Concord many years before moving to Peabody five years ago. Mrs. Fitzgerald worked as a secretary the Corn Products, until leaving to raise a family. Barbara was a woman of strong Catholic faith. She was a Lady Commander of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, and was very involved supporting various activities at St. Bernards’ Catholic Church in Concord. Her life was devoted to friends and family. She is survived by her husband Jim, with whom she shared over 50 years of marriage; two daughters, Liz FitzGerald and her partner Elizabeth Kahn of Brooklyn, NY and Kathleen FitzGerald and her partner L.J. Cunningham of Washington, D.C.; granddaughter Olivia Kahn-FitzGerald of Brooklyn, NY; two brothers, Bob O’Connell of Peabody and David O’Connell of Waltham; a sister Bernice McAteer of VT, and many nieces and nephews. She was sister of the late Tom O’Connell and Paul O’Connell. Relatives and friends are kindly invited for a visitation on Thursday from 5 – 8 P.M. in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. All are welcome and invited to her Funeral Mass on Friday April 13, 2018 at 11 AM in the Brooksby Village Chapel, Peabody. Memorial donations may be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association of MA/NH, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452 or to Cor Unum Meal Center, 118 South Broadway, Lawrence, MA 01843. Please visit www.ccbfuneral.com for online obituary or post condolences.