Judy Anne Fitzhugh

Judy Anne Fitzhugh, beloved wife, devoted mother, cherished sister, and faithful servant of God, passed peacefully into eternal rest on August 23, 2025, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, at the age of 76. A resident of Niceville, FL, Judy leaves behind a legacy of compassion, faith, and unwavering dedication to her family and community.

Born on April 1, 1949, in Canton, Ohio, Judy was one of ten children—a joyful beginning in a bustling household where love and laughter were abundant. From an early age, she exemplified a spirit of kindness and a quiet strength that would carry her throughout her life.

A devout Catholic, Judy was a treasured member of Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Church in Niceville, where her faith anchored every aspect of her life. Her generosity of spirit and warmth were a comfort to all who knew her, and her steadfast belief in service was evident in everything she did.

Judy was the heart of her home—a loving wife and devoted mother whose family meant everything to her. She cultivated a home where love was spoken fluently and often, where meals were shared with laughter, and where the garden bloomed not just with flowers, but with the fruits of her nurturing soul. Her green thumb and deep love for nature found an outlet in her work as an Okaloosa County Master Gardener, where she shared her knowledge and joy with fellow gardening enthusiasts and novices alike.

Her heart for service extended far beyond her home. Judy was a dedicated volunteer for Pet Welfare, ensuring that even the smallest lives were met with compassion and care. She also lent her skills and patience to the Tax Center at Eglin Air Force Base, guiding countless individuals through the complexities of finances with a calm, assuring presence.

Professionally, Judy served with distinction in the field of education and guidance. She held administrative roles at Saint Leo University, and later, as a counselor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where her empathy, wisdom, and encouragement helped shape the futures of countless students. Her belief in the power of education and the potential within every individual was both a vocation and a calling.

To know Judy was to experience a quiet grace, a genuine warmth, and an unwavering kindness. She touched lives not with grand gestures, but with her steady presence, her heartfelt words, and her unfailing love.

Judy is survived by her beloved family, including her loving husband of 55 years, Marc S. Fitzhugh, of Niceville, FL; daughter, Dawn Balciunas and her husband, Jerry, of Niceville, FL; son, Adam Fitzhugh of Jessup, MD; grandson, Joshua Balciunas and his wife, Christine, of Trussville, AL; granddaughter, Amanda Balciunas and fiancée, Anthony Matos of Crestview, FL; and great-grandchildren, Charlotte Balciunas and Jackson Balciunas of Trussville, AL, whom will carry forward her legacy of faith, resilience, and boundless love.

A committal service will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery, 1 Cemetery Road, Pensacola, FL, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.  

In lieu of flowers, make contributions to SOCKs in FWB or Pet Welfare on Eglin AFB , in Judy’s memory.  

To share memories, express condolences and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.daviswatkins.com.