Shirley J. (Venden) Fitzsimons, age 87, of Darlington, died on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Southwest Health Center in Platteville, WI, surrounded by family. She was born August 14, 1936, in Hollandale, WI, to Christopher and Alvina (Granberg) Venden.
Shirley graduated from Blanchardville High School in 1954, and married Edward F. Fitzsimons on August 21, 1954, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blanchardville. They farmed in the Darlington area all of their married life until Ed’s death in 2002. Shirley continued living on the farm until her passing. She enjoyed her life in the country on the land they farmed.
Shirley was known for her quiet, loving, and selfless nature. She enjoyed attending her family’s different activities and was known to sing and yodel, sharing her love of music. The door at the Fitzsimons home was always open as Shirley enjoyed visits from her family and friends, playing cards, and gathering with her large family for holidays and other events.
She is a member of the Lady of Fatima Parish and was a member of the Holy Rosary Altar Society. Shirley enjoyed her time being an Avon lady, her work at the school in the lunch program, and her full-time job of being a farm wife. She was crowned the “Irish Rose” as a member of the Shamrock Club. Shirley enjoyed her Red Hatters’ outings and the gatherings when she had lunch with her friend groups.
Survivors include her children Pat (Kay) of Monroe; Tom “Stubby” (Gay), Ed (Julie), Bob (Missy), Steve (Candi) all of Darlington; and Kathy (Kevin) Wiegel of DeForest. As well as grandchildren Riley (Jeanette), Andy (Heather), Eli (Kristi) Fitzsimons, Lucas (Meegan), Wade (Katie), and Weston Ritchie; Tommy (Megan) Fitzsimons; Amy (Andy) Beyer and Anna Fitzsimons; Kayla (Sid) Shukla; Darby (Dan) Fitzsimons; Sadie (Trevor) Johnson; and Morgan, MacKenzie, and Gavin Wiegel; sisters Marilyn Zentner and Carolyn (Roy) Ruegsegger; one brother, Jim McKeon Jr.; and 14 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Christopher and Alvina; step-father, James McKeon Sr., husband, Edward; daughter, Mary Jean Fitzsimons; son, Joseph, in infancy; brothers, Don Venden and Joe McKeon; and grandson, Chad Helms.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 AM on, Tuesday, May 14 ,2024, at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Fr. Christian Valenzuela officiating. Burial will be at the Holy Rosary Cemetery. Friends may call from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on, Monday, May 13, 2024, and on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 E. Harriet St., Darlington.) The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
