03/31/2026
🌟 Celebrating Women’s History Month: Honoring Judy FitzSimons 🌟
This Women’s History Month, we are proud to celebrate Judy FitzSimons — a devoted mother, entrepreneur, animal lover, community advocate, and a woman whose life reflects faith, determination, and wholehearted love. 💜✨
🎨 Roots, Creativity & Early Inspiration
Originally from Bristol, Connecticut, Judy studied interior design and architecture at Bennett College in New York, nurturing her lifelong appreciation for creativity and structure. Her very first job? working at a florist shop 🌷 — where beauty and attention to detail shaped her early sense of design.
👨👩👧👦 Family First, Always
Above all else, being a mother was Judy’s passion and priority. She and her husband raised three children—two sons and a daughter—all deeply involved in sports. Judy proudly cheered on her family at every turn. Her husband was an All‑American swimmer and captain of his swim team, and Judy stood behind him and their children as their biggest supporter.
Her proudest accomplishment?
“My children—being involved in their lives, watching them grow into young adults, and seeing them make the right choices.”💖
💼 Breaking Barriers & Building Dreams
Because competitive swimming was such a big part of their lives—and there were few places to buy proper swim gear—Judy and a friend decided to open a swim gear shop. In the 1970s, they went to the bank to apply for a loan and were asked what Judy’s husband did, because women were not commonly accepted in the business world.
“You had to prove yourself,” Judy recalls.
At first, they weren’t approved. But they persevered—and eventually succeeded in opening two swim gear stores in Tampa, Florida, serving multiple schools and swimmers.
Being accepted in the business world as a woman was one of Judy’s greatest challenges—and ultimately, one of her quiet victories.
💬Strength, Faith, and Perspective
✨ Most influential women: Her grandmothers, who weren’t afraid to speak truth, encourage critical thinking, and guide with spiritual strength. She was also inspired by a history teacher whose passion brought history to life and made learning meaningful.
✨ What strength means to her: Strength comes from faith, setting boundaries, and having the courage to say what is and isn’t acceptable—not conforming, and knowing your values and parameters.
✨Changing Times - Judy observes that while opportunities exist today, some women accept them eagerly and others more cautiously—each choosing her own pace and path.
✨ Advice for young women: “Work hard, enjoy what you do, and be present.”
💖 Heart & Personal Joy
💖What brings you the most joy now?
Knowing her family is settled and thriving. Judy and her husband have a lake house where everyone can gather, relax, and enjoy time together.
💖How she would like to be remembered
For her love of animals—a defining part of her life. Judy has always had dogs, and her husband had a service dog.
“Life without a dog is not living life to the fullest.”
💖Wisdom to pass down
“Take advantage of what you have and enjoy it.”
💖What makes you proud to be a woman
All that she has accomplished—raising a family, building businesses, traveling widely, and enjoying creative pursuits like quilting.
🏝 A Fighter for Community
In addition to her entrepreneurial journey, Judy and her husband were deeply involved in local civic leadership, serving on the Town Council of the newly incorporated Town of Fort Myers Beach in 1995, where they lived.
During that time, commercial developers sought to buy out and take over residential areas of the island. Rather than accepting decisions that did not reflect the needs or values of the community, Judy and her husband took a stand.
Working alongside fellow council members, they helped pass the bill that officially incorporated Fort Myers Beach, preventing the commercial takeover and protecting the residential character and integrity of the island.
“We stood our ground—and we won our case.”
This chapter of Judy’s life reflects her quiet strength, commitment to fairness, and willingness to speak up when it mattered most—values she carried into her family life, business ventures, and every role she embraced.
⛵ Hidden Adventures - Sailing in Tampa Bay and Long Island; racing every weekend through her husband’s sailing club
🗓 Decade she’d relive: Freshly retired in 1986, when travel, family, and new experiences filled daily life
👗 Style favorites: Talbots & L.L. Bean
🌹 Celebrating Judy
Judy FitzSimons’ life is a beautiful example of resilience, faith, family devotion, and steady courage. Her legacy reminds us that women have always shaped history—often by cheering loudly for others, standing firm for themselves, and loving fiercely along the way.
Thank you, Judy, for sharing your story and inspiring generations with your life and legacy. 💜🌟
