Cecilia Joyce (Baker) Fitzsimmons

After a lifetime of selflessly taking care of us, Cecilia Joyce Veronica Fitzsimmons
passed away peacefully on September 7 th at age 92.
She earned an academic scholarship to the Convent School in Syracuse, and
although becoming a nun was never her goal, her life-long kindness, compassion,
and service to others would have made her well-qualified.
She graduated from SUNY Potsdam where she met Mark, her fun-loving husband
of 59 years. They partied in smoke-filled Elks Clubs and ski lodges, whizzed around
Lady Lakes in golf carts, and played endless games of cut-throat pitch at Lake
Titus.
She devoured novels faster than they could be loaded onto her Kindle, munched
on Wasabi peas or penuche fudge, and was always up for any activity—from Tai
Chi classes to Folk Walks to craft brewery visits.
Her four adoring sons were constantly making her laugh. For them, she honed a
wide range of life skills, becoming the best wrestling referee, Crystal Lake
lifeguard, and molasses cookie baker. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren
consistently made her proud. She was filled with goodness and humility, always
saying the right thing and making everyone feel most loved.
She was predeceased by her husband Mark J. Fitzsimmons, brothers Paul, Dwight
and Bernard Baker. Survived by sons Mark (Kathleen), Scott (Deborah), James
(Sheila) and Stephen, eleven grandchildren (Shawn, Casey, Alyse, Garrett,
Coleman, Molly, Caleb, Griffin, Destiny, Lane and Quin) and four great
grandchildren (Aubree, Mia, Hailey and Luke).
Calling hours Wednesday, September 14 th , 5 -7 PM at Gates Funeral Home, 29 W.
Genesee St, Baldwinsville. A funeral mass will be held Thursday, September 15 th
at 10 AM at St. Stephens Church, 469 Main St, Phoenix. Private burial at a later
date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Food Bank of Syracuse
or the Phoenix Food Pantry.

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