Helen Winslow | Obituary | Salem News

Newburyport – Helen, known to many as “Fitzie,” was born on January 16, 1938 to Mary and Christopher Fitzpatrick. “Fitzie” passed away peacefully on September 18, 2022 at Avita in Newburyport, Massachusetts. It was an honor for her four grateful daughters to join her in beginning her new journey. “Fitzie” was one of five siblings. She grew up in Franklin, Massachusetts, where she attended Dean Jr. College. She then ventured to Boston, where she was an accountant and lived on Tremont Street. She was always up for an adventure, whether it was in the Berkshires, the Cape or heading to the White Mountains. It was on one of those adventures up north, on the Boston & Maine Train to go skiing, that she met her best friend and soulmate, Hap Winslow. They met “Après~Ski” at Tuckerman’s Inn in North Conway, New Hampshire. The two have been enjoying skiing and the après tradition for over fifty years, which they eventually pass on to their family. Together, “Fitzie” and Hap, mom and dad, cherished many beloved traditions and memories of raising their family. They enjoyed countless fun moments with their children, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, nephews, nieces and friends. “Fitzie” was most comfortable watching from the back, sharing her quick wit, one-liners and puns that drew lots of laughs. She had a particular passion for running, tennis and reading. Her humble enjoyment of these hobbies has been passed on to many people. Whether it was The Wednesday Girls with whom she played tennis, The Running Buddies with whom she ran countless street races, or the friends and family who enjoyed coffee/tea time with her at The 58; we all appreciated our time with her. She had a magical smile and a kindness that made everyone around her feel connected. Later in life “Fitzie” worked as a certified nursing assistant at Seaview Retreat in Rowley. Here she exemplified her gifts of service and compassion for others. Her down to earth personality created a sense of family for residents, staff and loved ones. Her appreciation for each individual gave rise to a wealth of friendships that spanned generations. Helen/”Fitzie” is survived by her four daughters and spouses; Kathleen Winslow and Erik Prussman of Rowley, MA; AnnMarie and Nate Keliher of South Hampton, NH; Marty and John Blanchard of Rowley, MA; Elizabeth and Mark Smith of Skagway, AK; daughter-in-law Kate Collins-Winslow of Merrimac, MA; and grandchildren; Kyla Prussman, Jaden, Camden and Griffin Keliher, Athena and Addison Smith, Joseph and Julia Winslow, sister-in-law June Fitzpatrick and brother-in-law Ted Hoegler. She will be remembered and missed by many nieces and nephews. She was deceased by her husband Hap/Ralph Winslow, son David Winslow; Sisters, Arlene Hoegler, Anne Balog; Brothers; Bernhard and Jimmy Fitzpatrick. The family would like to thank Avita Staff of Newburyport for treating our mother like family. Words cannot express the comfort and peace that their daily care and love has brought. Thank you also to Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care in their final days. Your leadership during this time has been a gift. We are blessed by the outpouring of support and love for our mother and family at this time. It has served as a reminder of the enduring love and support she has given to others throughout her life.
Office hours are Thursday, September 22 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Mary Parish, 196 Main Street, Rowley, MA. A Christian funeral service will follow immediately at 11:00 am. The funeral will take place at 12pm at Rowley Burial Ground. If you wish to send flowers you can send them to FS Roberts & Son Funeral Home, 14 Independent Street, Rowley, MA.

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