25/06/2026
In Loving Memory of Joyce Fitzgerald
16th August 1929 – 16th June 2026
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Joyce Fitzgerald, who died peacefully at home following a short illness on Tuesday 16th June 2026, at the age of 96.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Lancaster Medical Practice, KTG Care Agency, the District Nursing Team and St John's Hospice for the compassionate care and support they provided to Joyce at home during this difficult time.
Joyce was the dearly loved wife of the late Michael Fitzgerald. She was a devoted mother to Marilyn, Micky and the late Michele, and a respected mother-in-law to Chris and the late William.
She was a much-loved Grandma to Cheryl, Christopher, Tony, Sean and Stephen; a treasured Great-Grandma to Sophie, Summer, Connor, Laila, Logan and Lando; and a loving Great-Grandma to Alba, Maddie and Max.
Throughout her working life, Joyce dedicated herself to caring for others. She worked as a nurse for the NHS at the Royal Albert Hospital in Lancaster and in the evenings, supported her husband Mick in their fish and chip shop. Following her retirement from nursing, Joyce continued to work alongside Mick in several family businesses, including Fitzgerald Freezers on Wi******er Avenue, Scotch Butchers in Lancaster town centre and the restaurant A Taste of Scotland in Dalton Square.
Family was always at the heart of Joyce's life. She spent many years helping to raise her grandchildren, a role she considered her greatest joy and most treasured achievement. Right up until her passing, Joyce could often be found surrounded by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild, all of whom brought her immense happiness.
Her kindness, warmth, enthusiasm and unwavering love touched the lives of countless people, both young and old, earning her the affectionate title of "Legend" among those who knew her. Joyce's presence, wisdom and generosity will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends and all whose lives she enriched.
Forever loved, forever remembered.
Her funeral service will take place at Beetham Hall Crematorium on Wednesday 1st July at 12.30pm. Following the service, an invitation to join the family at Th’Owd Tithebarn in Garstang for refreshments and to continue sharing stories and memories of a wonderful lady.
Should you wish to give a charitable donation in memory of Joyce, they would be gratefully accepted to help St. John’s Hospice, care of the funeral director.
All enquiries to:
Greg Hodgkinson Independent Funeral Director
Garstang Funeral Home
Bridge Street
Garstang
PR3 1YB
Tel: 01995 601 600