Judith Ann (Fitzsimmons) Valle

Judith “Judy” Ann Valle (Fitzsimmons)

Judith Ann Valle passed away peacefully at her home in Norfolk, MA on January 1, 2022, just seven days short of her seventy-ninth birthday.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.  Judy was born on January 8, 1943 in Norwood, MA, the daughter of Epke and Leslie Fitzsimmons.  Her siblings included Robert, Carol, and Joan, each of whom have predeceased her.

In 1964, after graduating from the Newton-Wellesley School of Nursing, Judy began working as a recovery room nurse. Her career in health care would span several hospitals from California to Maine.  She graciously cared for countless patients until 1976 when she left the nursing field in order to devote more time to her growing family.

On February 22, 1965, Judy married her husband, Dennis.  They would go on to have four sons, Christopher, Peter, Thomas, and Michael. Judy took great pride in raising her family.  She became an active participant in PTO meetings, cub scouts, church youth groups, youth sports, foreign exchange programs, and countless other activities building lifelong connections. The Valle home was always open to friends, co-workers, and college roommates who may be in need of a meal, a helping hand, a place to stay, or a home for the holidays.

Judy found joy in sewing and, as her children grew up, became particularly interested in quilting.  Over the years, she created more than two hundred unique quilts and collaborated in the creation of nearly a thousand.  She taught quilting in Walpole’s “Adult Ed” program for ten years. Spending her later winters in Florida, she helped organize drives to provide quilts to children’s hospitals and veteran groups in the area.  Judy never accepted payment for a single quilt.

For years, Judy was a faithful member of the United Church congregation in Walpole, MA. Her time there included service on the Fellowship Committee planning fundraisers, pot luck dinners, family game nights, holiday activities, and senior luncheons. Her dedication and faith helped instill important morals and values in her children.

The transition to grandparent brought great joy to Judy. She embraced her role as “Grammy” to Jacob, Charlotte, Nathaniel, Marc, Sadie, and Mia.  She also welcomed step-grandchildren, Veronica, Ramona, Marissa, Antonio, and Daniel into the family with open arms.

Travel was important to Judy, a passion she shared with her children and grandchildren throughout her life.  From cross-country road trips in the family van, to annual family camping trips, to cruises and international travel, she was always excited for her next adventure. Perhaps the most treasured adventure of all was in 2015 when Dennis and Judy took thirty-two people, including their sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and family friends, on a two week journey across the Alaskan wilderness.

Judy struggled with health problems in the past few years, but she was never one to complain. She continued to live at home, take an active interest in her children and grandchildren, travel, and spend time with her many close friends.

On December 26, 2021, Judy spent one last Christmas celebration with all four of her sons.  Most of her grandchildren were also able to be there, as were her sons’ significant others.  The love and joy in Judy’s eyes was obvious.  On New Year’s Eve, she spent the evening making banana bread with her husband of nearly 57 years.  After enjoying a New Year’s Day breakfast at home, Judy laid down and passed peacefully in her sleep.

Judith Ann Valle will be missed by many.  Her remains will be cremated and placed in a National Cemetery yet to be determined. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday June 21 from 4-8 pm at The Alexander F Thomas and Sons Funeral Home 45 Common Street Walpole.  Relatives and friends invited. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Judy's name to St. Jude's Children's Hospitals.

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