Julie Ann Willette

Julie Ann (Fitz-Simon) Willette, 58, a resident of Swanzey, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, with her loved ones by her side, after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

She was born May 29, 1959, in Keene, the daughter of the late James E. Fitz-Simon Sr. and Arlene (Ortega) Fitz-Simon. She was a 1977 graduate of Keene High School and went on to earn her degree from Franklin Pierce University in accounting.

She was a very hard-working person who was devoted to her family. She worked for The Main Street America Group (NGM) Insurance Co. as a supervisor for Financial Systems and Operations. She also was manager of Heidi’s of New England and had worked at United Natural Foods in its retail division. She served on the Credit Committee for NGM Employees Federal Credit Union.

On June 28, 2012, she married her soulmate, William Scott Willette, in a family ceremony in Cape Coral, Fla., She enjoyed vacationing with her husband and friends and cruises with her mom and sister. She also loved boating, kayaking, walking, exercising, bowling and tending to her flowers.

She is survived by her husband, William Scott Willette of Swanzey; and two sons, Jeffrey Russell of Keene and Jason Russell of Vero Beach, Fla.; and two stepdaughters, Hanna Willette of Concord and Ciana Willette of Harrisville; her mother, Arlene (Ortega) Fitz-Simon of Keene; two brothers, James Fitz-Simon Jr. and his wife, Cheryl, of Cocoa, Fla., and Eddie Fitz-Simon Sr. and his wife, Heather, of Keene; and her sister, Judi Sievers Mills of Jackson Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews, and many wonderful friends. She is predeceased by her father, James E. Fitz-Simon Sr.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Church, Arch Street, Keene.

Family and friends are invited to call on the family on Saturday morning from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court St., Keene.

Burial will be at Monadnock View Cemetery on Park Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Research, www.danafarbergiving.org.