Judith Irene (Arigo) Fitzgerald, affectionately known as “Judy,” passed away on October 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was 79 years old.
Born in Brighton, Massachusetts, on December 14, 1946, Judy was the daughter of the late John Arigo of Watertown and Marion (Davis) Arigo of Boston. She was a longtime resident of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, where she made her home for more than 45 years.
Judy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and cherished friend. She will be remembered for her boundless generosity, her warm and welcoming spirit, her quick wit, and, above all, the extraordinary love and care she extended to those fortunate enough to know her.
Judy shared 56 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Dennis Fitzgerald. Together, they built a life centered on family, friendship, and the joy of bringing people together.
She is survived by her daughter Dena I. (Fitzgerald) Birmingham and her husband, Brian Birmingham; and her son Loren D. Fitzgerald and his wife, Tara Sayegh Fitzgerald.
She was an especially proud and devoted grandmother to Aiden Fitzgerald, Marion Birmingham, Fitzgerald Birmingham, and Malcolm Birmingham.
She is also survived by her dear sister, Joan (Arigo) Hall and her husband, Byron, and her nephews, Daniel and Jeffrey Hall, along with many other beloved relatives and dear friends.
A dedicated homemaker and a natural caregiver, Judy found great fulfillment in nurturing her family and creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and love.
Her affection for children was evident throughout her life. For 20 years, she worked as a kindergarten teacher’s aide at the Louise Davy Trahan Elementary School in Tewksbury, where her nurturing nature, patience, and genuine love of young children made her a treasured presence. Her devotion to children extended well beyond the classroom, and she held a particularly special place in her heart for her grandchildren, whose lives brought her immeasurable happiness and pride.
The heart of her family, Judy possessed a remarkable gift for making others feel loved, welcomed, and cared for. Her home was a gathering place, with an open door and a place at the table for anyone who entered. Throughout the years, she embraced her children’s friends as though they were her own, offering warm meals, kindness, laughter, and the comforting sense of belonging that came so naturally to her. Her generosity was never reserved for special occasions; it was simply the way she lived.
Judy delighted in bringing family and friends together. She loved hosting holidays, celebrations, summer cookouts, and gatherings around the pool, where the company of those she loved mattered far more than the occasion itself.
She enjoyed gardening, attending the theater, traveling throughout the country with family and friends, and going out dancing with Dennis and her friends. An avid Elvis Presley fan, she appreciated good music, good company, and the simple pleasures of a life well lived.
Her friendships were equally dear to her. Judy shared a special bond with her beloved group of girlfriends, affectionately known as the “Pineapple Girls,” with whom she enjoyed memorable trips to Ogunquit, Maine, evenings out dancing and dining at the Fireside, and other fun-filled adventures. These friendships, filled with laughter, companionship, and shared experiences, were among the many joys of her life.
Kindhearted and compassionate, Judy was also a woman of conviction. She took an active interest in her community, spoke passionately about the causes she believed in, and generously supported a number of humanitarian organizations and charitable efforts close to her heart. She believed in helping others and demonstrated that commitment through both her words and her actions.
Beneath her gracious and nurturing nature was a spirited woman with a keen sense of humor, a quick wit, and a delightfully feisty streak. Judy was never one to shy away from expressing her opinions or taking charge, and those who knew her well will remember these qualities with tremendous affection and admiration. She brought strength, personality, good humor, and a dynamic presence to every gathering.
She will be remembered not only for the love she gave so freely, but for the way she made others feel: welcomed, cherished, and always at home.
Her presence will be profoundly missed, and her love will remain a lasting gift to all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Judy’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project, two organizations whose missions reflect her generous and compassionate spirit.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her visiting hours on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 3 to 7 p.m. and her funeral service, which will follow at 7 p.m. at Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876. Burial will be held privately at a later date. Please use our website or find us on Facebook to send the family your condolences.