Joan Eleanor Fitzgerald

Joan Eleanor Fitzgerald (nee Arnott) April 5, 1941 – June 3, 2025 It is with heavy hearts we share that Joan Fitzgerald, devoted daughter, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-aunt passed away peacefully after a brief illness. To younger members of our family, Joan was known as Grammy, Great-Grammy or “AJ” Auntie Joan. Devoted mother of Steven, Suzanne (Byron) and Debra (Scott). Beloved sister of John (Sharon). Loving grandmother of David, Cullan (Mykala), Jessie, Shaylynn, Cheyanne (Mitchell) and great-grandmother of Tobias, Maggie, August, Brooke, Fintan and Gideon. Dear aunt of Craig, Nicole (Angelo) and great-aunt to Dominik. Lifelong friend of Margo Shier (nee Evans) who was like a sister. And, we can’t forget the love of all her grand-doggies. Joan was born in Toronto on April 5th, 1941, daughter of Walter and Elva Arnott (nee Barker) and later joined by brothers Brian, April 7th, 1945 (pre-deceased) and John, Nov 30th, 1949. Joan was strong and courageous, as those who know her will attest, and lived life to the fullest with no regrets because as she would say, “Your feet point forward”. She so much appreciated “all the little things”. Especially time spent with family and friends at gatherings, bringing her famous cheeseball, butter tarts and sausage rolls - always welcoming a good adventure and shenanigans. These times meant everything to her. A life well-lived, our mother enjoyed playing golf and watching golf, hockey, football and baseball. In her later years she would also tune into various podcasts. She was a master at winning football pools under the name of Prime Time. She enjoyed having a great time over her favourite food - chicken wings, pizza and occasionally, a good martini. Joan worked until she was 75 because she loved working. She was a Commercial Mortgage Underwriting at Manulife Financial and First National for many years and often spoke of her colleagues with fondness and admiration. From this day on, we will carry Mom’s spirit, love, laughter and sense of humor in our hearts forever. While we will miss her phone calls, hugs, our golf games, her warm presence at the table and her beautiful smile, we will continue to share stories and cherish the memories. We would like to thank her family doctor of many years, Dr. Kwan, and the doctors and nurses at North York General Hospital and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre for their amazing care and heartfelt support.
Dear extended family and many friends – A formal service will not be held; however, the immediate family will be honouring Joan’s life privately. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre or Ontario SPCA and Human Society, or as a gesture you may like to plant flowers that attracts butterflies and bumblebees – Joan would love that.