St. Albans, VT

On October 10th, 2024, Lori Couture Fitzgerald, aged 67, passed peacefully from this life surrounded by her loving family.

Lori was born on March 19, 1957, in Burlington, VT, to Philip and Dorothy (Moody) Couture. After a blessed life and 48 years of marriage, she leaves behind her beloved husband and best friend, David Fitzgerald, and her cherished children: Amy and Ben Piper (who always knew which side his bread was buttered on), Adam and Ashley Fitzgerald, and Megan and Abdel Benjaa. She also leaves behind her treasured grandchildren: Camden and Caitlin Piper, Keaton Fitzgerald, and Elijah and Sami Benjaa. She is lovingly remembered by her siblings: Sherry & Jack Kenish, Randy Couture, Jamie and Kathy Couture, and Claire Couture. Her parents and older brother, Tom, along with many other family members, have gone before her and are now welcoming her on the other side.

In a love story for the ages, Lori and David began dating 53 years ago, in 8th grade at St. Joseph's School in Burlington. They were married on October 30, 1976. Together they built a beautiful family and home, and traveled extensively, visiting Ireland three times, Turks & Caicos, Bermuda and cruising down the Rhine. The greatest joy of her life was spending time with family, especially Mother's Day outings with her three children. Her family will always remember her love of antiquing, decorating for the seasons, long drives (she knew all the back roads), picnics by rocky streams, old musicals, murder mysteries, stories of hauntings, Sinatra, and of course, Heath Bar ice cream and orange M&Ms. Lori lived an immensely fulfilling and rich life. She was always grateful for the family and friends she had at her side as well as the experiences she shared with them.

To know Lori was to know love. Nothing was as important to her as being Mom and Memere. When her first grandchild, Camden, was born, Lori gladly retired to care for him and subsequently cared for each newborn grandchild for as long as possible. She gave of herself tirelessly to help raise these beautiful children, which brought her fulfillment and happiness. She and David opened up their home to those in need. She cared for her father, her aunts, and her uncle at the end of their lives with love and compassion. All found love at her table, as she embraced everyone she knew: nieces and nephews, extended family, her children's friends, foreign exchange students, and family friends. Lori appreciated the time she had with everyone, and no matter who you were, she was always there for you. Her unwavering support and kindness touched countless lives, and her legacy of unconditional love will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Lori held a strong belief in God and never doubted her faith. She looked forward to being reunited with her family who had gone before her.

A Catholic Vigil service will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11:00am at LaVigne Funeral & Cremation Service, 132 Main St., Winooski. A reception will follow at the Hampton Inn, Colchester. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests acts of love and kindness or donations to St Jude's Children's Hospital in Lori's memory.

Some Special Memories from Lori's Youngest Grandchildren ❤️

Caitlin (16 years old): In addition to the overflowing love that was obvious to everyone who met her, Memere also showed her love for people through doing little things for them every day. What might not seem like a big deal in the moment shaped who I am and how I show my love for people as I've grown. Little things she would do like making a box with her legs for me to cuddle up in when watching tv on the couch, quilting and sewing blankets and pillowcases for her kids and grandkids, planning Christmas Hallmark movie days, repeating certain nicknames and phrases such as "sweet girl, girlie, too darn much and to the moon and back", and showering everyone with too many hugs and kisses to count, have affected me more than she ever thought they would.

Keaton (10 years old): I don't know who I'd be without my Memere. She always called me "my sweet boy." She guided me my whole life and I wouldn't be here without her. Every time I asked her if I could sleepover she always said YES with a BIG smile on her face! We had a lot of good times together like going to the Lucky Buffet with Memere and Papa and Uncle Randy. That was our thing. We had so much FUN!!! She was the best of the best. There was nothing like her at the store, I can tell you that much for a fact. I just want to say that you're the best Memere I could ever ask for. I hope that you know that. Sincerely, Keaton.

Elijah (6 years old): I like going apple picking with Memere, and going to the beach with Memere, and I like going to Aunt Amy's pool with Memere. And I really, really want when she's back to give her a big hug. And also when she's back I want to do all the same stuff we did when she was still alive. And also I like watching stuff with Memere downstairs and I like snuggling her too. And I really like squeezing her and hugging her. And I really like staying with Memere and having sleepovers with Memere and those oatmeal cookies. And I really want to finish something for her, my game, Spider-Man.

Sami (4 years old): Hi Memere, I love you so much you beautiful angel, I will always be with you. I love you so much, you're the beautiful girl I ever had. She always brings me and Elijah and Papa to the jungles and we saw some birds and a big dinosaur. When I was on the plane and I saw you Memere, I kissed you a big kiss. And I'll always love you and I'll send a message in a heart to you. I'll always be with you. You're the beautiful angel I ever had and you're the sweetest Memere. You always take care of us when Mommy and Daddy are at somewhere and you always take us to the beach, everywhere and I love you so much Memere and you're a beautiful angel and I'm sending a heart, and cookies and candy, and medicine to make you back alive. Bye Memere. *big kiss*