Vale Joan Fitton

Softball NSW are saddened to hear of the passing of former Softball NSW President, Life Member and Hall of Fame Recipient Joan Fitton.

Softball NSW CEO Stuart Clark said, “Joan was a great contributor to Softball NSW and is considered one of the driving forces behind shaping Softball in NSW as we know it today. On behalf of the Softball NSW Board and all members of the Softball NSW family, we pass on our condolences to Joan’s family and friends. Joan will be missed but her contribution to the game will never be forgotten”

The entire Softball Community is mourning the loss of the Matriarch of Softball in NSW, Joan Fitton.

Joan was an amazing person whose dedication to Softball over such a long period of time cannot be questioned.

Joan was the President of the Sydney Softball Association at the time when it was decided to form the NSW Women’s Softball Association. Joan was an integral part of this founding committee and it started what is now considered the strongest state for Softball in Australia.

There were not many positions that Joan did not hold over a 70 year period, she was a SNSW Patron, SNSW President, SNSW Life Member, SNSW Hall of Fame Member, Coach, Manager and Captain of the NSW Open Women’s Team. There were 2 roles that did not have a formal title but will be the most important roles that will be part of Joan’s legacy a Friend & Mentor.

On the diamond Joan was a fierce competitor, after she finished her playing career Joan coached the first NSW Team to win a National Championship in 1969 she then was the Manager of the next victorious NSW Team in 1986. Joan again led the way being the coach of the first NSW U16 Team in 1974.

Joan was the President of the NSW Women’s Softball Association 1964-1974 she then travelled abroad for a period of 9 months before returning to take the reins back up from 1975 to 1979.

After Joan retired from coaching she took up a position at many Australian Championships as a mentor to the players and coaches, it was not unusual for the entire NSW Team to catch up with Joan and Judy after the game to get their opinions on how the team performed and how to improve on each performance.

Joan remained involved in Softball through various roles, the one she thrived at was looking after the volunteers at many events. Joan was a people person who knew how to make people smile and was integral at events ensuring the volunteers were looked after.

Joan touched so many people’s lives not only on the field but life in general

“The NSW Open Women’s Team are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Joan.

Joan was a tremendous player, representing NSW Open Women at 12 Gilley’s Shields’ and is NSW Open player number 55.

Joan was inducted into the NSW Softball Hall of Fame in 2013, which is recognition of Joan’s contribution to softball in NSW.

Joan was a passionate supporter of NSW Softball and she will be sadly missed by all.

Our heartfelt sympathy to Judy and Joan’s family.”

Kerrie Porter – NSW Open Women’s Head Coach

“There is so much I could say about Joan given I knew her since I was 13 yrs old. Not just a good player in her own right, an excellent coach, outstanding hardworking President of NSW Softball. A great leader, but moreover a wonderful person. Full of wisdom & knowledge. Passionate about everything she embraced. She inspired me not only in sport, but in life too. Joan didn't realise how much of her influence led me to a better life. I will be forever grateful that I knew such a woman with a beautiful heart & soul.”

Christine Roughley OAM – WBSC Hall of Fame, Softball Australia Hall of Fame, SNSW Hall of Fame, NSW & Australian Captain

“For many years, Joan’s contributions to the sport of softball have been celebrated. Though her playing career preceded my time, every account I’ve encountered speaks to her exceptional talent on the field. Her reputation as an outstanding player clearly justified her induction into the Softball NSW Hall of Fame.

For nearly two decades, I have personally witnessed Joan’s deep passion for the sport, particularly through her presence at numerous events. Her radiant smile would brighten any room, and her genuine admiration for others’ achievements was evident, as she often took on the role of presenter at award ceremonies. Joan had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel valued with her warm and positive demeanour.

Another significant area in which Joan excelled was in her commitment to volunteering and managing volunteers within the softball community. No task was too large or too small for her; whatever was needed, Joan ensured it was completed with dedication and grace.

To inspire generations of players in New South Wales is an achievement that few can claim. Joan’s example was one that was both admired and embraced, helping to shape our community into the best it could be.

Rest in peace, Joan. Your legacy will live on forever in the heart of our great game.”

Adam Rindfleish – SNSW Hall of Fame. SNSW & Australian Coach, Sydney 2000 Volunteer

" Joan lit up the room, her smile, demeanour, warmth, kindness and knowledge were always present. Dignified, worldly, respectful, compassionate and hardworking Joan was an outstanding ambassador for softball and our country. She was an integral member of the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games Softball Team in her role as Sport Staff Supervisor.

With ease Joan liaised with international dignitaries, players and managed the many Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Softball volunteers to ensure the delivery of an outstanding Olympic event.

Inspirational and impressive, an absolute delight to work with and someone you always wanted on your team - a beautiful soul, such a great loss to our softball and Olympic family worldwide."

Lesa Straker – Softball Competition Manager Sydney 2000

From Joan’s time as the leader of looking after the volunteers in Sydney 2000 she said which typifies her caring nature “I remember each morning I got to the ground and organised a dozen muffins for the ground crew to have for their early break. It was a special time!"

“I have been completely saddened to hear of the passing of NSW Softball trail blazer and culture-maker, Joan Fitton. A strong and generous spirit, Joan was always open, caring and giving and when you mix these traits with competitiveness and athletic talent, it is no wonder NSW Softball has such a rich history of successful performance. Personally, some of my favourite moments have been with the Bluebloods. How grateful I am that Joan set this unique tone, a movement worth fighting to defend at every National Championships. We are the lucky ones, Joan is the amazing one.”

Melanie Roche – 4 x Olympian, WBSC Hall of Fame, Softball Australia Hall of Fame, SNSW Hall of Fame

Joan is the epitome of a wonderful human being who we were all lucky to have been connected with through Softball she was strong, one of a kind, fun, a trailblazer, Blue Blood, admired, a leader and loving.

Joan’s legacy will live on through the young Softballers of today.

Our thoughts are with Judy and Joan’s Family who should be very proud of what this lady has achieved but more importantly the positive influence she has had on so many people’s lives and she always did it with a smile.

Joan’s Funeral details are:

Wednesday October 30

Macquarie Park

Magnolia Chapel

1:00pm