Joan R. FitzGerald

West Brookfield - Joan Ruth FitzGerald of West Brookfield, Massachusetts passed away in Hospice care at home on March 16, 2026, surrounded by family after a long struggle with heart disease.

She leaves her husband, David of West Brookfield, a sister, Cheryl Prior of Torrington, Connecticut, a son, Richard Fiske of Rockwall, Texas, a daughter, Lauren Fiske of Jamestown, Rhode Island, and a daughter, Jean Murray of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, as well as 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Joan was born in Spencer, Massachusetts on February 3, 1937, one of 3 children of Kenneth K. Adams and Irma E. Prouty. She graduated from West Brookfield Elementary School and David Prouty High School and later graduated as a registered nurse from Newton-Wellesley School of Nursing.

In her retirement years, she was an early woman participant in long-distance running, winning many age group awards, and completing 2 Boston Marathons. She was also an excellent gardener, joining her husband David in caring for their property in West Brookfield. She was also an excellent hooker of rugs, many of which will be treasured memorials of her in the family.

Varnum Funeral Home, 43 East Main St., in West Brookfield is honored to serve her family with her care and arrangements. An online tribute page is available at varnumfuneralhome.com