Obituary of Doe (Shirley Dolores) Fitch (Nee Comeau)

The passing of Shirley Dolores (nee Comeau) Fitch of Fredericton, NB occurred on February 24, 2024, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. Born June 29, 1936, in Sussex, NB she was the daughter of the late William and E. Albina (nee Doucette) Comeau and wife to the late Kenneth Fitch.

Dolores who went by the nickname “Doe” was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother “GiGi.” Mom was born into a large French Acadian Catholic family during the “Great Depression.” One of twelve siblings she was quick witted and athletic and was a member of the Sussex High School debating club and basketball team. With her beautiful style she soon met the love of her life and married Dad the newly posted RCMP “Sussex County Mountie.” Known for her humour, love of laughter, story telling and singing “ditties” she brought smiles to so many people. Mom began her secretarial career at the Royal Bank where she served in Sussex, Ottawa, and Fredericton before her shift to Marshall d’Avary Hall at UNB. She also gave tirelessly in support of Dad and their company Canadian Security & Consultants for 28 years. Mom compassionately served her community as a volunteer including St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, as Grief Share Counsellor, former President of the Board of Transition House and Fredericton Police Senior Citizen Advisory board member. She previously enjoyed time spent with elderly care at Stan Cassidy rehab painting fingernails and brushing hair for those less able. Mom and Dad were both dubbed “Unsung Heroes” by the City of Fredericton for their community volunteerism. She remained a spouse-member of the RCMP Veteran’s Association and enjoyed her longtime friends there, as well as Bridge Club and Church. She loved her family dearly, her flower gardens, and a tidy house. She is said “to have made a room cleaner just by walking through it”.

Predeceased by her parents and eight siblings, husband Ken, son Shawn and grandson Dustin McCormack.

She is survived by her children, Sheree Fitch (Gilles Plante) of River John, NS, Leanne Fitch (Sara McElman) of Estey’s Bridge, NB; grandchildren, Jordan McCormack, Chelsey Fitch, Cameron Fitch (Leah nee Meyer), Dr. Benjamin Fitch (Dr. Liz LeGay) and Zachary Fitch (Jennifer nee Burgess) great-grandchildren: Jacob, Jaxson, Cohen, Emma, Ivy, Evie, Felix and Arthur. Sisters Stella, Yvonne, and brother Billy as well as sisters-in-law Carol Comeau, Joan Fitch of ON, and Nancy Fitch of NS. Brothers-in-law Rowan Donnachie of Ontario, Ron Mills of Michigan, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Special thanks on behalf of Mom and our family for the care she received from our dear family Physician Dr. Anne Colpitts and her staff, Extra Mural, Bayshore, Diabetic Clinic and the team of paramedics (Kevin Darrah, Brian White) who ensured safe passage to DECH. Gratitude to DECH Doctors Engelhardt, Irrinki, Boch and MacDonald. Warmest of all thanks to nurse Mallory Crossly (3SW) and Father John Harvey who were with Leanne and Mom in her final hours.

There will be no visitation. A funeral service will be held at Christ Church Cathedral on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 2:00 pm officiated by The Rev. John Harvey. For those who wish, donations please to the NB Heart & Stroke Foundation, Arthritis Society or the charity of the donor’s choice.