Jana Marie Fitzpatrick, of Watertown

WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) - On November 13, 2023 our Jana Marie Fitzpatrick went on her final grand adventure. Her spirit is now soaring high above this earth. She passed away in her sleep from natural causes after a day of hiking in the Mountains of Bolivia. She leaves behind a hole in many hearts, but we take solace in knowing she passed doing what she has loved all her life, traveling the globe and making new friends and experiencing their culture. Her kind heart and gentle soul made her an ambassador to the world. And there were few corners of the world she hadn’t been to.

Jana Marie was born September 23,1983 in Watertown, N.Y. to James J. and Cindy L. Fitzpatrick. She graduated in 2001 from Watertown High School where she excelled academically. Her love of traveling started with a high school Spanish trip, and she never looked back. She continued her education at SUNY Plattsburgh where she graduated in 2005 with honors with a degree in International Studies. She traveled extensively following graduation before landing in New Zealand where she lived for several years before moving to Australia. While living there she became an accomplished and experienced skydiver having over 500 jumps to her name. She was currently working for SA Skydiving in Australia. In 2020 she even talked her dad into skydiving. She also recently became a certified scuba diver.

She is survived by her dad and mom, her sister Erin and husband Val Vasquez(Wilmington, NC) who have been our rock in this sad time. She is also survived by her Uncle Matt and Aunt Sharon Fitzpatrick, Aunt Cathy and Uncle Randy Ganter, Uncle Joe and Aunt Laura Fitzpatrick. Also her cousins John, Meaghan, Alyssa, Darby Fitzpatrick, Ryan(Courtney )Fitzpatrick, Lindsey Fitzpatrick, Rachel (Matt)Costantino and Rylee Ganter. She loved you all so much. She is also survived by a large contingent of Australian friends too numerous to list but no less important. They were her true friends while away from home.

There will be a short graveside service at Glenwood Cemetery, Watertown, NY at 2:30pm on December 1, 2023 for anyone who would like to attend. Should the weather be inclement the service will be held in the mausoleum chapel located on the main road outside the cemetery. Following the service, there will be a Celebration of Life at the Eagle’s Club from 4 to 7 pm located at 19260 US 11 (outer Washington Street) Watertown, NY 13601. All who knew Jana are very much welcome.

Jana loved animals and was a protector of the Earth so any donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice. To leave a message of condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.

The outpouring of sympathy from family and friends has been overwhelming and we are blessed to have so much support. We love you all!

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