Joan Eileen Fiddler (née Jacobs) was born to Amy Melvina Jacobs and Elmer Lester Jacobs in Hardisty, Alberta on December 18, 1944. She passed peacefully, surrounded by family and close friends on September 19, 2025.

She leaves behind two sisters Faye (Leo) Chrzanowski and Lynn (Ted) Grocock; brother Dale (Heidi) Jacobs; four nieces Tricia (Dave) and son Witten; Kristin (Corrado) and daughters Sofia and Lilia; Angela (Steve) and children Landon, Kohen and Ainsleigh; and Janelle (Tim) and sons Blayke, Danyn and Bauer.

Joan grew up on a farm north of Amisk, AB and attended school in Amisk, Central High in Hughenden, Camrose Lutheran College (now Augustana University) and the University of Alberta. She taught for Elk Island Public Schools for 32 years, retiring in 1999, when she and her husband, Bud, moved to Picture Butte.

Joan became involved in Trinity United Church in Picture Butte, serving as lay worship leader, being involved in fundraisers, organizing concerts, especially the Community Christmas Concert, and serving on the local board, and as a representative at Presbytery, Conference and Regional Council.

Joan’s other passion was the PAW Society. In 2004, she began volunteering and soon began fostering cats and for 18 years was fundraising coordinator. In 2012, Joan received a Seniors of Distinction community award for her work with PAW. Joan cared deeply for all of her feline companions over the years, both her own and those she fostered. Joan was a trooper-unwavering in her dedication to her projects, so strong in her quiet, unassuming way. We will miss her.

A Memorial Service for Joan will be held at 11:00am on Monday, September 22, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPELS, 610 – 4 St. S., Lethbridge, Alberta with Ruth Pelletier officiating. Joan’s  service will be livestreamed, and can be viewed at www.mbfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PB Trinity United Church, PO Box 957, Picture Butte, AB, T0K 1V0 (pbtrinity@shaw.ca) or to the PAW Society, PO Box 255, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 3Y5 (pawsociety@shaw.ca).