Montpelier, VT

Joan M. Fitzgerald, 79, formerly of Freedom Drive and most recently of Crescent Manor in Bennington, VT passed this life on April 15, 2025 in Bennington, VT.

She was born on May 5, 1945 in Barre, VT, the daughter of Wilford and Dorothy (Johnson) DeForge.

She attended the Holy Ghost Catholic School in Graniteville and later graduated from Williamstown High School in 1964.

She married Martin Fitzgerald in 1964, they later divorced.

She worked at the Howard Bank in Montpelier and in 1977 went to work at National Life Insurance Company where she worked at the Facilities Supervisor until her retirement in 2007.

Joannie loved being outdoors, snowshoeing, bicycling, house sitting animals, reading, music, baking, traveling, and most of all being with her grandchildren. She made her home in Montpelier and attended St. Augustine's Church, where she was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America. She was also a member of the Montpelier Kiwanis Club, American Legion, and Montpelier Lodge Emblem Club.

She is survived by her sons, Jerry Fitzgerald of Middlesex, VT and William Fitzgerald of Bradford, NH; her grandchildren, Tyler Fitzgerald of Montpelier, Tara Fitzgerald of Montpelier, John Fitzgerald of Knoxville, TN; three Great Grandchildren; Siblings, Shirley Klug and several nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 5 sisters and 6 brothers.

A funeral mass will be held on 11:00 am on Saturday June 14, 2025 at St. Augustine Catholic Church.

The family asks that people consider St. Augustine's Catholic Church, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT, for memorial contributions.

Arrangements are in the care of Guare & Sons Funeral Home.