Obituary of Mary Helena Fitzpatrick

Mary Helena (Keohane) Fitzpatrick, beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully at the age of 100. Her life was a beautiful testament to resilience, determination, and love.

Mary was born in the family home on Warren Street in Arlington, the eldest of six children of Irish immigrants, Daniel and Ellen (Dwyer) Keohane. Growing up during the hardships of the Great Depression shaped Mary into a strong, compassionate woman who carried a deep sense of responsibility from an early age. 

Much of Mary's strength and nurturing spirit mirrored that of her beloved mother, Ellen, who was truly the heart, soul, and glue of the Keohane family. Both women lived beyond 100 years and were blessed to witness the lives of not only their grandchildren, but also great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. They both embodied the roles of mother, protector, role model, advisor, and confidant—never afraid to speak up with loving guidance when needed.

Mary took great pride in her five children, 15 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. 

Mary met the love of her life, Leo Fitzpatrick, and they married in Arlington, where they were active members of St James Parish.  In their later years, they joined the Falmouth Yacht Club and the Woods Hole Golf Club on Cape Cod and were original members of the Eastpointe Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Mary was an avid golfer and, at the age of 80, celebrated a hole-in-one at the Woods Hole Country Club. She also loved playing bridge well into her 100th year.

Congratulations, Mary—you made it. Rest in peace.

Mary was the beloved wife of F. Leo Fitzpatrick, who passed in 2003.  She was the loving mother of Paul Fitzpatrick & his wife Charlotte of Salem, MA; Eileen Goodwin & her husband Bruce of Lynnfield; John Fitzpatrick & his wife Jan of Kennebunkport, ME; Karen Papagni & her husband James of Lynnfield, and the late Maureen Murray & her surviving husband Richard of Falmouth.  She was the caring big sister to Ann Stanton of Arlington, the late Catherine Leahy, Eileen Duddy, Joseph Keohane, and Theresa Sullivan. She was the sister-in-law of Marilyn Keohane of Burlington, the late William Leahy, Jim Duddy, Edward Sullivan, John Stanton, and the late John and Olive Fitzpatrick; Carolyn and Albert Kennedy; Thomas and Ruth Fitzpatrick; and Carmine Lionetta and his surviving wife Rosemary   She was the proud grandmother of Daniel Fitzpatrick & his wife Sara, Sarah Chown, Lisa Nekoroski & her husband Matthew, Tara O’Shea & her husband James, Christopher Goodwin & his wife Kerry, Michael Goodwin & his wife Kristen, Courtney Grasso & her husband Steven, Hillary Peterson & her husband Benjamin, John “Jake” Fitzpatrick & his wife Christine, Joseph Fitzpatrick & his wife Chelsea, Hannah Hines  & her husband Daniel, Lt. Col. James Papagni, US Army & his wife Brianne, Jill Papagni, Michael Papagni, & his wife Jenna, and Jaclyn Papagni.  Many loving nieces and nephews also survived her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Agnes Church, 32 Medford St., Arlington, on Wednesday, June 25, at 10 am.  Mary will be laid to rest with her husband, Leo, on Thursday, June 26, in a private interment at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mary’s name may be made to Friends of Dana-Farber.  Click here for the donation page.