Helen D. Fitzgerald

Helen D. FitzGerald, 72, of Northampton was called safely home to Heaven on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 surrounded by her family. Helen was born in Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland on October 8, 1951, a daughter of the late Thomas O’Connor and Mary (O’Donnell) O’Connor. She was raised in Ireland, attending catholic schools. Helen furthered her education, matriculating at Crawford College of Art & Design in Cork city, receiving her degree in Art. She taught Art in Dublin at the Loreto Convent Primary school and then after moving to the United States, the Green House School in Salem, Massachusetts. She married Thomas M. FitzGerald, and they settled in Northampton. Helen taught art for the Y’s Kids Learning center in Northampton for 15 years. Helen had a way of bringing out the individual hidden talents in children, teaching many kids to recognize their talents in art & design. Helen was a devout catholic, attending weekly mass and was a constant presence at adoration. She was a communicant of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish family in Northampton. She was very fond of animals and had a caring and gentle way about her that they recognized. Helen loved to sing, and her Irish charm and personality were ever in the forefront to her family and friends. Helen leaves her devoted daughter, Mara FitzGerald of Northampton. Her former husband and friend, Thomas M. FitzGerald of Northampton. Her brother and sister; Bartholomew O’Connor (Margaret) of Limerick City, Co. Limerick, IRL and Brigit O’Connor (Vincent) of Camp. Co. Kerry, IRL., many nieces, nephew’s great nieces, great nephews and cousins, here and in Ireland. Calling hours at Ahearn Funeral Home, 783 Bridge Rd., Northampton will be Monday, June 17, 2024 evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. meeting directly at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 99 King St., Northampton. Helen will be interred with her family in Ireland. Donations in her memory may be made to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 87 beacon St., Florence, MA. 01062