Memorial
The world lost a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and a proud, loving grandmother and great-grandmother on March 27, 2020. Joan Darlene Gorman Fitzpatrick, 90 years old of Cedar Rapids, Iowa passed away at Hiawatha Care Center. Joan was born June 8, 1929 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was the daughter of James Michael Gorman and Josie Matilda (Longfield) Gorman.
She was married to Thomas Arlan Fitzpatrick on June 16, 1950 by the Reverend A. P. White at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. They were members of Saint Jude’s Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Joan worked for Link-Belt in her youth and then devoted her time to family after marriage. In the words of her sister, “In her earlier life, besides her main gig as housewife and mother, Joan served Tommy’s concrete construction business as bookkeeper for many years, and she was the proprietor of a gift shop called “Granny’s Attic” on 16th Avenue in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Joan really distinguished herself as a versatile craftsman. I mean like big time. Doll-making, silk flower arranging, cake decorating, ceramics, embroidery, sewing, tole painting, paper crafts, calligraphy, and an astonishing menu of other crafts. Everything she produces seems miraculous in its perfection. God gave her good eyes, good hands, and an imagination, and she has learned how to make beauty with them.”
In addition, her friends always admired her impeccable gardening, "poodled" trees (bonsai) and pagodas. More recently she has gifted us with gorgeous 3D cards made by her own hands. In these last years she has relaxed while enjoying her beloved Turner Classic Movie channel. She could deliver to you quite a play-by-play account of many of those old classics.
After retirement Joan and her husband, Tom, moved to Sun City West, Arizona. Joan referred to this as "Paradise". They loved their home there, made many friends and were active in many crafting circles. One of their greatest joys was the frequent visits from afar of their children and grandchildren. And they both appreciated having some of their family living nearby. They spent many Saturday nights laughing over dinner, old memories and a hot game of Farkle. Each person in the group had an old empty prescription bottle full of quarters to gamble with! Due to failing health, Tom and Joan reluctantly returned to the Cedar Rapids area in 2013, but the sunshine they left in Arizona followed them back to Iowa and into the arms of their children. They were once again "home".
Joan is survived by three sons, Timothy Fitzpatrick (Denise), Jeffry Fitzpatrick (Carol) and Dennis Fitzpatrick (Teresa) all of Cedar Rapids, three daughters, Christine Milner (Mark), Beaverton, OR, René Melchior (Daniel), Cypress, TX and Denise Fitzpatrick, Elkhorn, WI, and a sister, Patricia Ford (Gene) of Seattle, WA, 18 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas A. Fitzpatrick, parents, James and Josie Gorman, brothers James Donald Gorman (died 1963), Leo Francis Gorman (died 2013), Richard John Gorman (died 1996), granddaughter, Abbie Fitzpatrick (died 2017), and great grandson, Daxton Montgomery (died 2016) Joan will be missed, but the wonderful memories she made for us all will soften that pain until we see her again.
Joan was born into this world when it was in the clutches of the Great Depression and she left it in the grip of a worldwide pandemic. Because of the current crisis, her vigil, funeral mass and burial will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be given in her name to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 120 5th St. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405. or to a charity of your choice.
Our warmest thanks to the nurses and aides at Hiawatha Care Center for the special care that was given to Joan.