Lorena Rosella (Duquette) Fitzgerald, 100, of Franklin died peacefully on May 5, 2025 at home surrounded by family.
She was the wife of the late John Fitzgerald, with whom she shared 29 years of marriage before his death in 1975.
Born in Cambridge, on April 27, 1925, the daughter of the late Delphis and Rosella (DesRoche) Duquette, Lorena was raised in Cambridge where she attended Cambridge High and Latin, and later secretarial school. She has lived in Franklin for the past 71 years.
Faith and family were Lorena’s lifetime anchors. An active participant at St. Mary’s Parish, Lorena practiced her Catholic faith by visiting the sick, attending daily Mass and devotions. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Most of her years were focused on family life, raising her seven children and providing care for other family members.
She enjoyed music, reading, sewing, knitting, bird watching, being a “Mrs Fix-It,” and quietly doing good deeds where she saw a need. Most of all, Lorena loved visits and gatherings with her large family, and looked forward to yearly vacations in Humarock, MA.
She is survived by her children, John “Jack” Fitzgerald, Jr. of Holbrook, Maureen DeDominici and her husband Jack of Bellingham, Rosanne Lyons of West Springfield, Marie Opera and her husband Rick of Franklin, Joan Burgess and her husband David of North Attleboro, and Barbara Fossey and her husband Stephen of Natick. Lorena is also survived by eleven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Lorena is predeceased by her son Mark Fitzgerald and her son-in-law James Lyons.
She is also predeceased by her siblings Vincent J. Duquette, Theresa M. Lupien, the Rev. Delphis O. Duquette, Jr., and Marie C. Murphy.
Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 15 in St. Mary’s Church, Franklin at 10:00 a.m.
Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Franklin.
Calling hours will be on Wednesday, May 14 from 4-7 p.m. in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin 131 Main Street, Franklin. ginleyfuneralhomes.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) ewtn.com/give or The Society of St. Vincent de Paul
svdpboston.org