Judy Fitzgerald, a celebrity fitness model and nurse, was laid to rest on Thursday after her sudden and untimely death in Adare, Co Limerick. The funeral mass, held at St Nessan’s Church in Raheen, Limerick, saw many mourners gather to pay their respects to the 32-year-old, who had a successful career in both nursing and modelling. Fitzgerald had also recently completed a Green Cert, which is a qualification for trained farmers, and was planning to build a house on her family’s farm.
Fitzgerald was described as “one of a kind” and a “beautiful” person inside and out, who touched the lives of many people during her short lifetime. Her brother, William Fitzgerald, spoke lovingly about his sister and her achievements, stating: “Judy touched the lives of so many people in her short lifetime, she was successful in everything she did, be that in her nursing, midwifery and modelling careers.” He added that she had remained down to earth despite travelling the globe and working with top designers and photographers.
As a nurse, Fitzgerald was one of Ireland’s frontline nursing heroes during the Covid-19 pandemic. She provided maternity healthcare and support to expectant mothers whose families were restricted from visiting them in hospital. Additionally, during the Covid-19 restrictions, she brought presents to new mothers who were not allowed visitors. Fitzgerald’s dedication to her work was evident in her nursing degree, which was placed on a table next to her coffin during the funeral mass, symbolising her care and dedication to mothers and babies.
Fitzgerald rose to fame in 2014 when she was crowned Miss Bikini Ireland. She became well known as an ambassador and advocate for positive mental health and developed a successful modelling career, appearing on the covers and pages of magazines and newspapers, and on online platforms. In 2015, she made an appearance on the catwalk at New York Fashion Week. In addition to her modelling work, Fitzgerald had also qualified as a fitness instructor and had competed in fitness modelling events around the world. She was crowned the European Fitness Model Champion in 2019 and had developed a passion for health and fitness, which was symbolised by a self-penned healthy living book that was placed on the table during her funeral mass.
Fitzgerald was a kind-hearted and beautiful person, whose sudden passing filled the heart of the community with sadness. Fr John O’Shea, who presided over the funeral mass, emphasised that the focus of the ceremony was to celebrate her life and the joy she brought to those around her. Fitzgerald’s funeral was attended by many mourners, including her family and friends, who paid tribute to her and honoured her memory. She was laid to rest in Castlemungret Cemetery in Co Limerick.
The passing of Judy Fitzgerald is a loss not only to her family and friends, but also to the community that she served as a healthcare professional during the Covid-19 pandemic. Her kindness, dedication and passion for her work will be remembered, and her legacy will live on through the lives of the people she touched along the way.
