Leslie Brooke Fitzgerald

Leslie Brooke (Simmons) Fitzgerald, 56, passed away on August 1, 2026. Leslie was born on December 15, 1969, to the late N. Eugene Simmons & Claudette Marie (Kennedy) Simmons. As a child and young adult, Leslie was an active member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Waynesboro. Leslie also showed horses in Western Pleasure classes. She was a 1988 graduate of Wilson Memorial High School and notably was a Color Guard for the Marching Green Hornets. Leslie attended Radford University and majored in accounting. Leslie was an active member in the Skyline Kennel Club, previously serving on the Board of Directors & as Recording Secretary. In her leisure time, she enjoyed spending her time traveling to dog shows with her daughter & husband and watching her daughter compete with their show dogs up and down the east coast. She was an avid lover of all things Disney, the color purple, and watching countless Grey’s Anatomy reruns with her best friend, her daughter.

Leslie worked for the University of Virginia across multiple departments for almost 20 years of combined service. Departments included UVA Cardiology Research, UVA Bookstore, UVA Press, and the UVA School of Architecture. She served in accounting type roles throughout her career.

In addition to her parents, Leslie was preceded in death by her sister, Erica M. (Simmons) Williams.

She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Jesse J. Fitzgerald Jr., her daughter, Allison Fitzgerald Kennedy & her son-in-law, Todd P. Kennedy, sister-in-law, Melinda S. Helmick, mother-in-law, Rebecca S. Fitzgerald, and father-in-law, Jesse J. Fitzgerald Sr... Her daughter’s dogs will also miss her greatly; Pyrrha, Vulcan, Jordan, Karli, & Moonie.

A special thank you to Hospice of the Shenandoah & the University of Virginia Huntington’s Disease Clinic for the care and support of Leslie throughout her 15-year battle with Huntington’s Disease. A continuation of that thank-you also goes to Leslie’s caregivers over the years, including Gail Painter, Connie Eddins, Cindy Taylor, & June Francis. Every one of these individuals and organizations gave hope, guidance, support, and grace during this time of her life & the family members lives that cannot ever be repaid. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Huntington’s disease Society of America, to help further advance research for a cure for Huntington’s. Donations can also be made to Take the Lead, an organization established to help individuals in the show dog community receive support during times of need.

Thank you to the friends and family that have supported Leslie throughout her battle with Huntington ’s disease. While there were times it may not have been easy, your unwavering support and love helped her through the toughest battle of her life. Your support and love will always be cherished and held dear to her family.

A family night will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 5 pm to 7 pm at McDow Funeral Home in Waynesboro, VA.

A Graveside burial will be Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 11 AM at Augusta Memorial Park, Waynesboro, VA. McDow Funeral Home has been entrusted with final arrangements.