Dale (Fidelis) Fitzpatrick

Dale (Fidelis) Fitzpatrick passed away on Monday October 26, 2026 after enduring a lengthy illness. Her partner and husband, Jonathan Candy, brother Fred and sister-in-law Diane were with her during her last few days. Dale will be remembered for her wry sense of humour, affection for her many friends and large family, and her love of gardening. Despite her illness, she continued to enjoy travelling, long daily walks around Deer Lake and elsewhere in Vancouver, travel, being a helpful docent every Monday at VanDusen Botanical Garden, and constantly improving her splendid ornamental garden.

Dale is survived by her husband of 40 years, Jonathan Candy; her siblings Martha (Patrick), Fred (Diane), Donna (Ches), Debbie (Rob), Mary (Wes), Peter (Michelle), Daphne (Darrell), Scott and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins, her stepson Graham (Jing and children Sidney and Lawrence); and sister-in-law Michele (Robert). She is pre-deceased by two siblings, Madeline and Colleen, her mother Avelina and father Peter, and mother-in-law Jean.

Dale was born in 1959 in St. Lawrence, Newfoundland, a small coastal town of about 1,000 people on the Burin Peninsula. She was the second of nine siblings and spent hours walking the rocky coastline. She attended local schools, and at 16 left for Carleton University in Ottawa, where she earned her honours degree in journalism. Dale worked as a reporter at the St. John’s Telegram in St. John’s where she and Jonathan met. She soon left to teach at the College of the North Atlantic’s Stephenville Campus.

They moved to Vancouver in 1987 and Dale completed a master’s degree at the University of British Columbia; both later found employment as teachers at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Dale taught Communications for 24 years and co-authored, with her great friend Kathy Vance, a very successful text book, Writing for Success.

In 2002 she became a Master Gardener, and in 2009, an advanced Master Gardener. She shared her comprehensive knowledge and love of gardening through volunteering with Vancouver Master Gardeners and as a guide at VanDusen Botanical Garden every Monday (rain or shine) for 12 years, where she personally engaged with garden visitors, always leaving them feeling valued and appreciating their experience. She never tired of learning more about horticulture.

Dale and Jonathan loved to travel. They visited Europe many times, as well as India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand and many other places. Often, these adventures included walking and gardening tours, but definitely no cruises.

Dale took great joy in making and keeping in touch with her many friends. She loved to entertain them at home and cooked the most elaborate and delicious meals.

Dale’s family is grateful for the care she received from the BC Cancer Agency over the years.

In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to contribute to a cause Dale cared about, such as the BC Cancer Foundation or VanDusen Botanical Garden.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring of 2027.