JoAnn (Fitch) Judice

JoAnn Fitch Judice, 78, passed away Friday evening, November 26, at Poet’s Seat Health Care Center in Greenfield after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Born August 18, 1943, in Brattleboro, VT, she was the daughter of the late William H. and D. Virginia Fitch of Guiford. She grew up in Guilford, attending elementary school there and graduating from Brattleboro Union High School in 1961. Over the years, she kept in touch with classmates and attended many class reunions. After high school she attended and graduated from Northampton (Massachusetts) Commercial College, then later attended the University of Massachusetts in Amherst to earn her Bachelor’s Degree and subsequently her Master’s in Business Administration.

On July 22, 1978 the married the love of her life, Frank R. Judice at the Christ Church in Guilford. Over the years the couple frequently travelled on cruises and by train to many places around the U.S. and world, including Europe, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Australia. They first settled in Wendel, MA then had a home built in Sunderland, MA, where they installed a pool. There, they held many parties for family and friends. Later, after Frank was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, they moved to Applewood in Amherst. In July 2015, Frank passed away and JoAnn remained there until she fell in April 2020. This necessitated giving up her Applewood home and being forced to live in nursing homes.

JoAnn loved her family above all else. She was a cat person, enjoyed reading, walking, crocheting, and planned trips for her family. Over the years she was a travel agent, worked in human resources and as an office assistant. She was a caring person, taking part in adopt-a-family programs at Christmas time and volunteering with her sister in various fund-raising activities.

Predeceased by her husband, parents, and nephew, she is survived by her brother Dwight E. Fitch and his wife Mary of Townsend, MA; sister Barbara Fitch Haumann of Guilford; niece Karen Benyo of Ayer, MA; nephews Jonathan Haumann of Brattleboro, VT, and Jason Fitch of Townsend, MA; as well as cousins, grand-nephews, and grand-nieces.

A short graveside service was to be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, Dec. 3, t Christ Church Cemetery in Guilford. A memorial service for friends and family will take place at a future date at the First Congregational Church UCC of West Brattleboro, with Rev. Audrey Walters officiating.

Ker Phaneuf Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest those wishing to do so give to a charity of their choice.