Obituary of Janet S. Fitzgerald

LOUDONVILLE - Janet Senez Fitzgerald, 88, of Loudonville, New York, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Cohoes, New York, on October 22, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Frances (Catalfamo) Senez. Janet was a proud graduate of Vincentian Institute and went on to earn both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the State University of New York at Albany.

On April 19, 1958, Janet married the love of her life, Patrick Joseph Fitzgerald, Jr. They shared 67 wonderful years of marriage together and built a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to their family.

Janet is survived by her husband, Patrick, and their three children: John C. (Barbara) Fitzgerald, Elizabeth M. (William) DiMento, and Patrick J. (Sheila) Fitzgerald III. She was the cherished grandmother of William J. (Jennifer) DiMento, Brian P. DiMento, Matthew T. (Elizabeth) Fitzgerald, John P. (Paige) Fitzgerald, Jenna E. DiMento, Bridget B. Fitzgerald, Madeleine F. (Alexander) Brynn, Julia F. (Christopher) Remeika, and John O. Fitzgerald; and the adoring great-grandmother of Finley D. DiMento, Avery F. Fitzgerald, John P. Fitzgerald, Jr., Cecilia C. Fitzgerald, Theodore C. Fitzgerald, and Isabelle F. Remeika.

She was the beloved sister of Margaret J. (the late John) Roman and Carolyn A. (the late Joseph) Koval, and sister-in-law of Mary A. Hockford, Sally A. Fitzgerald, and Hugh G. (Julia) Fitzgerald.

Janet was a girl from Cohoes who loved to travel with her beloved husband, especially to Truro on Cape Cod, St. Martin, Woodstock, Vermont, and throughout Europe. Though she fell in love with a red-headed Irishman from Watervliet, she took great pride in her French and Italian heritage and was fluent in both languages. Her home was always filled with music, from Frank Sinatra to Pink Floyd, much of which she enjoyed playing herself on the piano.

Janet's intellect and memory were extraordinary, and she could outmatch any contestant on Jeopardy! She was a great cook and master baker who presided over family meals most Sundays, a loyal Red Sox fan, and a fashion inspiration to her granddaughters, many of whom proudly wore her timeless clothing.

A long-time member of Wolferts Roost Country Club, Janet found great joy in playing bridge and participating in water aerobics with her many dear friends there. She also treasured her bridge games with the ladies at the Cohoes Senior Center.

Janet's deep Catholic faith, instilled by her parents, guided her throughout her life. A communicant of St. Pius X Parish in Loudonville for more than 63 years, she served her parish community in many ways through active involvement in countless committees, including as President of the Altar Rosary Society and as a Eucharistic Minister at Memorial Hospital in Albany.

Professionally, Janet dedicated many years as the director of the St. Peter's Addiction Recovery Center in Cohoes. Yet her true vocation was her family—to whom she gave her heart completely. She devoted her full energy, love, and attention to her role as wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her unconditional love shaped their lives and will remain her greatest gift to them and her lasting legacy.

Janet's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregivers—Suyapa Britt, Donna Cooper, and Maria Nigro—for their kindness, compassion, and care.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend calling hours on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Road, Loudonville, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025, at St. Pius X Church with Reverend James Walsh, celebrant. Interment and Rite of Committal to follow at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Janet's honor be made to the St. Pius X School Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the care of The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Latham. For further information or to express a message of condolence please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.