Jean Clair (Sidilou) Fitzgerald

LUNENBURG – Jean Clair (Sidilou) Fitzgerald, 90 of Lunenburg passed away on Sunday, November 20, 2022. Jean was born to the late Frank and Marguerite Sidilou on March 25th, 1932. She had fond memories of growing up on a farm in Shirley, Ma. This childhood experience shaped her work ethic and love for the outdoors. After graduating from Ayer high school in 1950 she entered the workforce at a local Ford dealership. Much to the chagrin of her employer, she took possession of her first vehicle, a brand new Dodge Custom Royal, then she got her driver's license. To get the attention of Officer Roger A. Fitzgerald, Jean would speed past his patrol car. They were later married in June of 1964. They called Lunenburg, their home and remained in same house for over 50 years. Jean left her burgeoning career in finance to raise her two children and started her own business from home in the mid 1970's. Jean created cloth dolls of the finest quality, and these were sold at craft fairs throughout New England for many years. In 1988, she was quoted in the Sentinel newspaper "Dolls should be made from the best material with the best of your efforts going into it. It's a craft in artform and sometimes the perfect psychological outlet." Jean was a prolific artist. Beyond her successful business, Rag Friends by Jean, she produced numerous cross-stitch pictures for family and friends. Always a perfectionist, she produced unique custom-colored works of art in all sizes and with great detail. These treasures would not be offered as gifts until she was completely satisfied with the results. Her tireless hands filled the hearts of many who took ownership of her creations. Each year though, when spring arrived, she shifted her talents to give life to her many flower gardens surrounding her home. Even at 90 years old her passion was being outside, digging in the dirt, and studying the behaviors of the different species of birds that came to feed. She took great pride in the things she grew including her two children. Jean will always be remembered for her kindness to others. She was selfless, positive and always quick to find the good in everyone except a certain recent politician. In addition to her parents, Jean was predeceased by her sister, Marie Rettger of Garland, Tx.; brothers, David Sidilou of Manchester, NH and Roger Sidileau of Hudson, NH. Jean is lovingly survived by her daughter, Kelley Fitzgerald, and her partner Jackie Hodgdon of Woburn, Ma.; her son, Jeff Fitzgerald, and his partner Hui Ya Chen Biasillo of Lunenburg and her sisters, Barbara Cormier of Fayetteville, N.C., and Doris Couture of Naples, Fl. Memorial services followed by a luncheon are scheduled for Friday, December 2nd at 11am until 2pm. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson Family Funeral Homes, 25 Fitchburg Road, Ayer Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean’s memory to a charity of one’s choice. For additional information or for online condolences, please visit www.andersonfuneral.com.

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Jean Clair (Sidilou) Fitzgerald

March 25, 1932 - November 20, 2022