A top European fitness model, known for being crowned Miss Bikini Ireland and her appearance on First Dates Ireland, died suddenly last week.
Judy Fitzgerald of County Limerick died on May 27, according to her parents Liam and Imelda, sister Lucy, brother William and brother-in-law Pedro. Fitzgerald was just 32-years-old.
“We are all gathered here to celebrate Judy’s life, for she was one of a kind,” William said of his late sister, according to The Irish Times. “Judy touched the lives of so many people in her short lifetime, she was successful in everything she did, be that in her nursing, midwifery and modeling careers.”
“She travelled the globe working with top designers and photographers, yet Judy remained a very down to earth person who would do anything for anyone. During the Covid restrictions she brought presents to new mothers who weren’t allowed visitors. She nursed our late grandmother when she was very ill, and she always checked in on her friends,” he continued.
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William said he and his family “are shocked by the untimely death of my sister Judy, and we will miss her very much as she always lit up a room.”
Fitzgerald made headlines in 2014 when she earned the title Miss Bikini Ireland. Prior to her sudden passing, Fitzgerald had a successful modeling career that included appearances in magazines, newspapers, and online, as well as on the catwalk at New York Fashion Week in 2015.
Fitzgerald was also a fitness instructor and participated in fitness modelling competitions. In 2019, she was crowned overall European Fitness Model Champion.
Fr John O’Shea said Fitzgerald’s community was “filled with sadness at the untimely passing of this kind-hearted beautiful lady”.
“Conscious that we are very vulnerable and very fragile and in need of kindness,” Fr O’Shea said, adding that Fitzgerald’s mass was “a celebration of Judy’s life, and the joy she brought during her life”.
