Elizabeth Joan Madler

Elizabeth Joan Madler

June 21, 1940 – May 31, 2025

Elizabeth ‘Joan’ Madler—beloved mom, grandmother, family member, and friend—passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025, after a recent diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Born in Brandon, Manitoba, and raised in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Joan was the first of many cousins in a large, close-knit Canadian family. She cherished her Canadian roots and returned to visit as often as she could after moving to the warmer climates of the United States.

Joan earned her nursing degree and began her adventurous life by moving to Oahu, Hawaii, where she met the love of her life—a tall, handsome Navy sailor named Ellis Madler, who drove a ’56 Thunderbird. They married and eventually settled in San Diego, California, where they raised their two children: Scott Madler (married to Shannon Madler, née Miller) and Matora Fiorey (née Madler, married to Keith Fiorey).

She adored her family and took immense joy in her role as “Grandma Joan” to her seven beloved grandchildren: Brittany, Brody, Briel, Brock, and Braeden Madler, and Victoria (Tori) and Kyla Fiorey.

Joan was a “mom’s mom”—always there, dependable, and always providing a fun and safe haven for neighborhood kids and extended family alike. Joan always made sure the snack drawer was full. She was the mom who drove the station wagon filled with kids needing a ride to all the sports team activities. She could turn the worst New Year’s Eves into a celebration, offering her trademark smile and drinks to join the festivities with Dick Clark on TV. Joan’s warmth and generosity were constants in the lives of many.

After becoming a grandmother, “Grandma Joan” extended her kindness even further. She volunteered regularly at her church’s preschool and at Surry Village Charter School in Surry, New Hampshire, where she was a cherished presence.

Though her primary role was homemaker, Joan was also a dedicated community member and church leader. At both East San Diego Presbyterian Church and Faith Presbyterian Church, she served a deacon, sang in the choir, wrote for the church newsletter, led quilting circles, and served as a Stephen Minister—offering spiritual care to those in need. She created deep friendships and formed lasting connections, including with her treasured “Stitch and Bitch” group, which sometimes stitched and always supported one another.

A loyal Padres fan, Joan especially loved listening to games called by announcer Ted Leitner even while attending games in person. She cheered loudly, laughed often, and approached life with equal parts passion and kindness.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, John A. Dyer and B. May Dyer, and her brothers, Keith Dyer and John Dyer. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, sister-in-law Geraldine Dyer, nieces Christine Davies (Calvin) and Michele Midyette (Doran), and many beloved cousins and extended family members in both Canada and the U.S.

Joan was funny, warm, and always unapologetically herself. She leaves behind a legacy of humor, resilience, service, and boundless love—wrapped in the quilts that she made and etched in the hearts of all who had the gift of knowing her.

A service and celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church (5075 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA 92115). For those attending in person, please consider wearing red in honor of Joan’s passion for boldly wearing red dresses. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Presbyterian Church in her memory.