Judith G. Fitzgerald (nee Briese), fondly known as Judy, age 86 of Manhattan, passed away surrounded with the peace and love of her family at her side on Thursday, February 5, 2026. She is survived by her children Lynn (Dan) Chellios, Karen (Steve) Chellios, Kelly Patterson, Jacki (Pat) Reilly, and John (Jennifer) Fitzgerald, her grandchildren Eric Chellios, Stacie (Ryan) Streicher, Angela (David) Pantoja, Christa (Sam) Blatt, Nick (Charleigh) Chellios, Corie (Brandon) Delimata, Craig (Brooke) Patterson, Kevin (Jessica) Patterson, Eddie (Stacy) Ludwig, Mandy (Josh) Schaffner, Cody (Kirstie) Ludwig, Caitlin (Luke) John, Kristen Reilly, Sean (Sheila) Fitzgerald, Kerianne (Chris O'Connor) Fitzgerald, and Jack Kelly, 23 darling great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law Sue Briese and Jean (Bill) Weber, and brother-in-law Dave (Patty) Fitzgerald. She was preceded in death by her dear husband Jack Fitzgerald, her grandson Brian Chellios, her parents Harold and Mary (nee Stiglich) Briese, parents-in-law Robert and Martha Fitzgerald, her brothers Terry (late Bev) Briese and Tom Briese, sisters-in-law Sue (late George) Roblee and Marilyn Doyle, and brothers-in-law James and Joe Fitzgerald.

Judy was raised up through St. Rays grade school and graduated from St. Francis High School. It was not long afterwards that she met and married the love of her life, whom she held near and dear for 66 incredible years. Their partnership created the branches of a big and beautiful family, beginning with their five devoted children. She worked numerous jobs throughout the course of her life, but she held the highest influence as the matriarch of her family, making home where the heart was and dedicating all her love and care to Jack and their children, followed by the delights of many grand and great-grandchildren. To say that she was a fan of the Chicago Bears, Notre Dame, and the Cubs would be an understatement. She pushed and rooted for her teams until the end of football season- if a game was on, Judy would be right there with it. Beyond the thrills of the sports, she loved a good game of poker, showing off her skills, pouring in the hours, and basking in the fun of great company abound. Her joy, strength, spirit, and nurturing nature will always be remembered by those who knew, loved, and adored her.

Visitation for Judy will take place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. also at the funeral home, immediately followed by procession to St. Joseph Cemetery, Manhattan, where she will be laid to rest in harmony with her sweet Jack. Her family gives their utmost thanks to the firefighters and paramedics of the Manhattan Fire Department. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be made in Judy's honor to the Manhattan Fire Department, P.O. Box 65, Manhattan IL, 60442. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.