Judith Ann Fitzpatrick Morrissey, age 87, died peacefully at home on March 21, 2023, surrounded by her large and loving family. Judy lived in Skaneateles for 64 years and was known throughout the community for her incredible warmth, unique sense of humor and unmatched bridge-playing skills. As the mother of 10 and grandmother to 20, Judy kept a packed schedule of sporting events, dance recitals and school functions for more than 50 years. She always made time for her friends and loved to play tennis and golf when she could squeeze it in.
Judy was born on Aug. 20, 1935 in Westbury, N.Y., where she was raised, and later moved with her family to Pittsford, VT, where she graduated from high school. She earned her RN from Jeanne Mance School of Nursing in Burlington, Vermont – a degree she put to good use raising her children, working at Camp Columbus for children and adults with developmental disabilities and acting as a private duty nurse for families within the community.
Judy often reminisced about her wonderful childhood summers spent on Bear Pond in Maine, and as an adult she loved visiting family on Lake Champlain. Judy’s heart and home were always open to family, friends, and neighbors. Her dinner table was never too crowded for one more. Judy was an active member of St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Skaneateles for decades and volunteered for Meals on Wheels and the Skaneateles Historical Society.
Judy is survived by her children Kevin (Joni), Patti (Dan), Michael (Renee), Jean, Jerry (Kathleen), Steve (Lisa), Tom (Sarah), Mary, Jim (Courtney), and Karen (Scott); her brother Jim Fitzpatrick (Susan); and her grandchildren Madelaine (Connor), Emily, Ellie (Eduardo), Amanda, Kevin, Karianne, Brian, Bauer, Cooper, Colin, Tommy, Kathryn, Sean, Keating, Casey, Phoebe, Easton, Leo, Lola and Olivia.
She is predeceased by her former husband, Gerald D. Morrissey, her parents Jerome and Helen (Grady) Fitzpatrick, and five siblings.
Calling hours for Judy will be held on Thursday, April 20, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 21, at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Skaneateles, followed by a private burial and a reception for friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Judy’s name to the Skaneateles Library or the Skaneateles Ecumenical Food Pantry.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
