Joan Russell Fiedler's Obituary
Joan Russell Uhlig Fiedler of Richardson, Texas passed away peacefully at home and entered her Heavenly home Tuesday morning, December 24, 2019.
Joan was born to parents Capt. Frank Julius Uhlig, USMC, and Julia Elizabeth Russell of Dallas on October 13, 1932, in Bremerton, Washington. Joan grew up in Dallas, but spent her early years in China while her father served at the U.S. Embassy. Although she was very young she had lasting memories of her family’s time in China and would eventually return to visit as an adult.
Joan attended Our Lady of the Lake Academy in San Antonio, Texas. She then attended Highland Park High School, graduating in 1951.
Joan was very close to her cousins Edna Russell and Pamela, spending much time with them and Auntie and Uncle Givens in Alice, Texas. Being close to Port Aransas, TX, the family visited there often and Joan was a lifelong devotee, passing her love of Port A on to her children and grandchildren.
On August 2, 1963 Joan and Thomas L. Fiedler were married. They enjoyed many years of love, fun, travel and time with family and great friends.
Joan’s passion was traveling the world. She crisscrossed Europe, visited Russia, Israel, and China among many other places. She shared many wonderful memories of her travels including cruising the River Shannon, walking the Great Wall of China, touring the Egyptian wonders and Italian cathedrals.
Spending time in Colorado, especially hiking in the summers which she did well into her 70s, was another of Joan’s passions. She enjoyed taking friends and family on her favorite hikes, and was the perfect guide, having visited the Ranger stations to seek out the best hikes, always learning and being thoroughly prepared. Joan’s intrepid nature led her to begin skiing in Colorado at age 50 and she continued for many years. After a knee injury she continued skiing proudly wearing the brightest pink knee brace on the mountain. The Colorado mountains truly were a loved home away from home for her.
Joan loved learning and spent her life amassing skills and knowledge. She enjoyed being active in many organizations throughout the years, particularly the Friends of the Library in Richardson, her investment club and her deeply loved church, The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany where she served in many ways. She was a life time bridge player, cookbook collector and fan of the SMU Mustangs.
Joan had the most beautiful smile, a wry sense of humor that was impossible to resist and was a friend to everyone. She was the neighborhood mom that everyone knew and many have a fun or sweet story to tell about her. It never failed that when running into old friends, Joan’s children would be asked, “how are you, how is your mom?” all in one sentence.
Joan will be missed by her loving family and devoted friends. Left to cherish her memory are son Russell Thomas Irons and daughter-in-law Tiny of Ft. Worth, daughters Susan Irons Gould of Austin, and Laura Irons Coffee and husband Chris of Frisco, as well as grandchildren Julia Irons Gragert and husband Damon, Wes Irons, Harrison Gould, Clayton Gould and wife Megan, Ashley Flud and husband Frank, Eric Wine, and also great grandchildren Tanner and Chloe Gragert. The family would especially like to thank Helen Czeczok and Cathy Castelleano, Joan’s nurse and care giver for their compassionate and devoted care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany.
There will be a private burial on Saturday, January 11th, 2020, followed by a memorial service at 3:00pm at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 421 Custer Road, Richardson, Texas.
What’s your fondest memory of Joan ?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joan ?
Share a story where Joan 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joan you’ll never forget.
How did Joan make you smile?
