Denise Ann FitzSimons

Denise Ann FitzSimons, 68, of Lafayette, passed away at IU Health Arnett Hospital on Saturday, May 9, 2026, after a long illness

She was born November 5, 1957, in Lafayette, Indiana.

In her early years, Denise attended elementary schools in Lafayette, before moving to Mulberry, IN where she finished her education at Clinton Prairie High School. She then worked as an assistant manager for Stuarts at the Tippecanoe Mall.

In 1982, she became the first woman accepted into the Plumbers and Steam Fitters Local 157 apprenticeship program, paving the way for future women to enter the profession. Following in her father’s footsteps, she worked for Local 157 for more than 30 years.

Denise worked on many projects at Purdue University, as well as Eli Lilly- Lafayette operations and Frito-Lay Inc. Beyond that, she participated in building several schools throughout the local area and worked on the construction of multiple public utility projects.

Surviving are son, Collin G. (Courtney) Lanam of St. Louis, MO; sister, Susan L. (John) Moore of Lafayette, IN; sister, Nancy I. (Barb Miller) McKinney of Battle Ground, IN; brother, Terry J. FitzSimons of Frankfort, IN; sister, Cathy M. Childs of KY; sister, Karen L. (Ron) Woods of Michigan City, IN; brother, Don A. (Lori) McKinney of Lake Holiday, IN; sister, Cathy A. Taylor of Lafayette, IN; sister, Debbie T. McKinney of Lafayette, IN. She was “Aunt Denny” to several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, as well as great-great nieces and nephews.

Denise was preceded in death by her parents, Richard (Dick) and Antionette (Toni) FitzSimons and great-nephew AJ LeBlanc.