Joan Darlene Solomon (nee Fitzsimmons)

Joan Darlene Solomon (nee Fitzsimmons) passed away at the age of 92 on February 11, 2026, at Riverview Health Centre, Winnipeg.

Joan was predeceased by her loving husband Jack of 67 years, parents Fred and Josie Fitzsimmons, sister Donna, niece Beverly, parents-in-law John and Victoria Solomon, sister-in-law June, and brothers-in-law Ed and Don.

Joan is lovingly remembered by her devoted daughter Sally and friends and neighbours. She is also survived by sister Wendy, sisters-in-law Sonia and Shirley, and many nieces and nephews.

Born in 1933 in Portage la Prairie, Joan attended the Westward and Central schools and Portage Collegiate. She graduated from the Margaret McKay Business School in Portage in 1952. That same year, Joan was employed as legal secretary for I.H. Greenberg and many years later as administrative secretary for the Farm Credit Corporation. She also worked as a temp for the Land Titles Office, the Court Reporter, Manitoba Agriculture, Indian Health Services, and various law firms.

Community service was a large part of Joan’s life. In her teens she served on the Girls’ Workboard for Camp Jubilee at Delta where she spent many happy years as a camper and a leader. She held an executive position on the board of the West End Community Club for 20 years. There, she worked alongside Jack and many wonderful volunteers in the building of a new clubhouse and outdoor rink, resulting in a thriving recreational facility for a multitude of boys and girls.

Joan was one of the founders of the Portage Minor Hockey Association, also a 4-H leader for 12 years, and a volunteer fundraising organizer for the Arthritis Society and the Kidney Foundation. She was also a member of the Prior Senior Center and Kozy Korner Seniors, and lastly, as a board member of Portage Heritage Inc.

Joan’s many interests included handicrafts, sewing, painting, sketching, and flea marketing. Legend has it that she held the first yard sale in Portage. For years, she enjoyed ten pin bowling. Her love of reading, developed at a very young age, continued throughout her life, giving her much pleasure.

Family and friends were very important to Joan. She was devoted to her daughter and husband. They were the centre of her life.

Cremation has already taken place. Private Memorial to be held at a later date.

Donations can be made in Joan’s memory to PAWS, 121-12th Street NE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 4A2 or Siloam Mission, 300 Princess St., Winnipeg, MB R3B 1M3.

“There is no death! The leaves may fall,

And flowers fade and pass away –

They only wait, through wintry hours,

The warm, sweet breath of May.”

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021.