Judith A. Fortin

IPSWICH - Judith A. Fortin, 79, a woman of grace, wit, and immense kindness, passed away peacefully on February 12th, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Milton, MA, to the late Herbert I. Sullivan and Annette Sullivan, Judi was a proud graduate of Archbishop Williams High School (1964), where she shared her vibrant spirit as a cheerleader and member of the Glee and Drama Clubs. She earned her degree in English from Boston State College in 1968, a field of study that fueled her lifelong passion for literature.

Judi’s greatest love story began at the local Star Market, where she met Lionel Fortin. The two were married for 58 wonderful years, building a life defined by adventure and devotion.

While her early teaching career was brief, she poured that energy into her most cherished role: being a dedicated stay-at-home mother to her four children. She was the steady hand shepherding them to countless games and activities, always ensuring a warm dinner was waiting at the end of the day. Later, she combined her love for exploration and people into a career as a travel agent, which allowed her and Lionel to traverse six of the seven continents.

Judi was an elite crossword puzzle solver, a talented pianist, and an avid member of several book clubs. She found joy in the simple and the sophisticated—from birdwatching and knitting to fine dining and theater.

Whether it was summers in Maine, family vacations in St. John and Bermuda, or cheering on college and professional basketball, football, and tennis with Lionel, Judi embraced every moment. Her generosity knew no bounds, whether she was spoiling her grandchildren or volunteering with a local nonprofit to support underserved children in Boston.

Judi is survived by her devoted husband, Lionel; her children, Annette Belobokova and her husband Ilya of Charlestown, MA, Paul Fortin and his wife Susan of Ipswich, MA, Nicole Drury and her husband Matt of Ipswich, MA, and Peter Fortin and his wife Kathleen of Ipswich, MA; her 11 adored grandchildren: Mia Drury, James Fortin, Erin Drury, Dasha Belobokova, Sean Drury, Catherine Fortin, Margaret Fortin, Carolyn Fortin, John Fortin, Ivan Belobokov, and Charlotte Fortin; her brother Peter Sullivan and his wife Paula of Haymarket, VA; and her sister Mary Sullivan of Falmouth, MA.

Known affectionately as Mom, Nana, Bunni, and Baba Judi, her legacy of love, kindness, wit, and generosity will be forever remembered by all who were lucky enough to know her.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to her Funeral Mass which will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 3rd at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Hope Parish, 1 Pineswamp Road, Ipswich, MA 01938.  A reception will follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty Street, Danvers, MA 01923 (caredimensions.org/care-services/hospice-houses/kaplan-house ).