Janice Marie Fitzpatrick, age 80, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on February 21, 2023, after a long struggle with Multiple Sclerosis.
Jan grew up in Walpole, the daughter of the late John and Anna Leston. Married for 59 years to Deacon John Fitzpatrick, she was the mother of Kathleen McGowan (Peter) of Lakeville, Kevin (Lynn) of Taunton, and Sean (Stacy) of New Port Richey, FL. She is also survived by Neal Keohane (Xing) of North Carolina, whom she loved as a son. She is also survived by her brother Peter Leston of Mansfield, and sister Elaine (Dan) Frechette of Saranac Lake, NY. She was a loving Nana to Joseph, John, Colin and Bridget Sweeney, Laine and Rileigh Fitzpatrick, and Katelyn and Cullen Fitzpatrick, and a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Jan graduated from Walpole High School and attended Northeastern University. After marriage, she and John put down roots in East Taunton where she stayed home and raised their family. At 40, she decided to resume her pursuit of nursing, graduating at the top of her class, where she was recognized for outstanding patient care. She loved working at Meadow View Nursing Home in Lakeville until MS progression made hands on nursing no longer possible.
The limitations of MS did not hinder her drive to be of service, however. A woman of deep faith and prayer, she served at Holy Family Parish as Eucharistic Minister and was a frequent visitor to nursing home patients and the homebound. She was a longtime Birthright volunteer, and one of the original Taunton area Hospice members, once recognized as “Volunteer of the Year”. Years later, she would be on the receiving end of the compassionate care of the nurses of Old Colony Hospice.
Not to be overlooked was her zest for life; she was so much fun. Willing to try anything, quick with a witty joke (she kept her grandchildren laughing), and always looking at the bright side, Jan’s radiant smile, her grace, and her kindness will be sorely missed.
Funeral from the O’Keefe Wade Funeral Home, 70 Washington St., Taunton, MA 02780 on Wednesday, March 1st at 9:15 am. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at the Holy Family Church in East Taunton at 11 am. Relatives and friends are also invited to visiting hours on Tuesday from 4-7 pm. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Taunton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Janice’s memory to Holy Family Parish Center, 438 Middleborough Ave, East Taunton, MA 02718 or M.S. Association of America, Donor Relations, PO Box 96219, Washington, DC 20090-6219 Visit our website www.okeefewade.com to sign the online guestbook, view obituaries and obtain directions.