Dolores Marie Fitzsimmons

Dolores Fitzsimmons (nee Deck) passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the age of 88.

Born in Mendham, SK, in 1934, Dolores was always curious, joyful, and generous, sharing her love with everyone. Dolores attended nursing school at the Holy Cross Hospital, where she met Allen Fitzsimmons, her husband and lifelong partner. They were married for over 65 years until Allen's passing in 2021. Dolores and Allen raised their family in Springbank and then lived many years in southwest Calgary.

Dolores never turned down an opportunity to celebrate. Whether it was a holiday (St. Patrick's Day was a favourite), a birthday, or meeting a new friend, all were welcome at the Fitz's home. Her kitchen was always the party’s epicenter, as Dolores was known for her endless buffet of delicious food. At the age of 75, Dolores announced she was hosting the “party of her life”.  She didn’t want to miss her own life's celebration, so she took matters into her own hands and hosted it herself. Allen made her a crown of cards and she was the “Queen of Hearts” for the night, a fitting moniker by which many will remember her always. Dolores LOVED to play cards and played her last Bridge game with her friends only a few weeks ago.

She was a ‘force of nature’ and the ‘Ultimate Volunteer.’ Despite being busy with her big family, she always had time to contribute to all her communities, including the parishes of Holy Name and St. Michael’s in the Diocese of Calgary. For years she was the RCIA director and Chair of the North American RCIA Forum, touching the lives of many. Dolores was always helping others whether they were friends or strangers, in ways small and large. Dolores was a beloved minor baseball coach, a founding member of the Inn from the Cold, and a Volunteer at the Calgary Drop-In Centre. She was dedicated to their programs for over 15 years before retiring in her 80s. For her lifelong work, she was awarded the Rotary Integrity Award and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. 

Dolores is survived and lovingly remembered by her seven children, Michael (Teresa), Bob, Terry (Julie), Patti (Simon Reid), John (Carol), Tom (Doneen), and Brian (Michael Farmer); sixteen grandchildren; and cherished great-grandchildren. She will be missed by so many, including her brother Milton Deck (Anita); and her many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Michael Catholic Community (800 85th St SW, Calgary) on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 11:00 am.  In place of a bottle of Scotch, please donate to the homeless at Inn From The Cold at https://innfromthecold.org
 

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