Virginia M. “Ginny” (Wyrocki) Fitzgerald

Virginia M. “Ginny” (Wyrocki) Fitzgerald, a resident of Melrose and formerly of Everett, passed away peacefully at home on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at age 85.

Virginia was born in Boston on May 15, 1937, one of two children of the late John T. Wyrocki and Stella R. (Bezon) Wyrocki. Raised in Everett, Virginia graduated from Everett High School. On November 17, 1956 she was married to Harold E. “Fitzie” Fitzgerald at Immaculate Conception Church in Everett and they settled in Everett to raise a family of seven daughters and one son.

A dedicated and wonderful mother to eight children, Virginia was always there when needed. She was a constant source of support, love and kindness to everyone whether a family member or friend. Virginia held various jobs throughout her life, but found the most joy in caring for her children, grandchildren, and extended family and friends. She and her late husband Fitzie enjoyed many years dancing together in the local area. As a grandmother to 12, she hosted many sleepovers often making gingerbread houses, and waking her grandchildren up with frappes and French toast.

Smart and intelligent, she always enjoyed reading and had a love for birdwatching, especially her beloved cardinal. She cherished many years of hosting Christmas at her house for generations of the family to gather and spend time together. In her free time, she enjoyed painting, and doing puzzles and arts and crafts with her grandchildren.

As the matriarch of the family, Virginia served as a source of great strength, as well as the most loving and kind role model for others to follow. She will be deeply missed, but her kind spirit, and inner strength will carry on in the lives of those she loved.

Virginia was the beloved wife of the late Harold E. Fitzgerald, Jr. with whom she shared 45 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Donna Pedersen and her husband Henry of Middleton, NH, Debbie Santore and her husband Phil of Palm Harbor, FL, Terry Lyons and her husband Dennis of Tarpon Springs, FL, Linda Sullivan and her partner Edwin List of Sun City Center, FL, Cindy Shaw and her husband Kevin of Saugus, John Fitzgerald of Melrose, Paula Rock and her partner David Dardas of Middleton, and Sandy Donnelly and her husband Bob of New Hampton, NH. Dear sister of the late John T. Wyrocki, Jr. Cherished grandmother of Justin Dello Iacono and his wife Mariana, Jena Dello Iacono, Kyle Sullivan and his wife Mia, Elizabeth Shaw and her partner Charles Finnemore, Emily Anderson and her husband Greg, Erin Shaw, Allison Rock, Zachary Rock, Jacob Rock, Robby Donnelly, Michael Donnelly and Kathryn Donnelly. Loving great-grandmother of Charlie and Madeline Finnemore. Also survived by longtime friend Pat Cafasso and predeceased by longtime friend, Mary Kerrigan.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose, on Monday, Feb. 20 from 4-8pm, and again on Tuesday morning at 9am before leaving in procession to St. Mary’s Church, Herbert St., Melrose, for her Funeral Mass celebrated at 10am. Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. If you wish, donations can be made in Virginia’s name to St. Mary’s Church, 46 Myrtle St., Melrose MA 02176.