Florence Fritsch's Obituary
Florence Fritsch, age 98, of Baldwin, passed away surrounded by her loving family on April 16, 2021.
Florence is survived by her children, Dr. Charles (Margo) Fritsch, Camda (the late David) Baker, Kurtis (Ro) Fritsch, Charlene (Ted) Phillips; brother-in-law, Don Walsh, sister-in-law Helen Struth; granddaughters, Regan (Joe) Swan, Sara Salvatore, Becky (Rob) Boyd, Destiny (Ryan) Nestor, Rachel (Matt) Phillips; great-grandchildren, Alex, Ellison, Wil, Kelan, Derika, Ava, Rocco, Elliana, Luciana, Massimo, Teddi, Robbie; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Warner "Fritz" Fritsch; parents, Henry F. and Lucretia Struth; siblings, Ray (June) Struth, Andy (Bridget) Struth, Hannah (Johnny) Curran, Jim Struth and Tish Walsh.
Florence was raised in Heidelberg Pennsylvania, where her father was a blacksmith. She always talked fondly of her childhood and how wonderful it was growing up in a close, loving family and living in a small town where everyone was a friend. She grew up in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Carnegie where her family were long-time members. After graduating high school, Florence worked for Gimbels.
While her future husband, Fritz, was at Fort Dix, New Jersey preparing to be shipped overseas, he contacted Florence and told her to get her blood test and get on a train. They were married on January 30, 1944 in Camden New Jersey by a Salvation Army Chaplain with the matron of the women’s prison as a witness.
When Fritz returned, Florence devoted herself to raising her children and supporting his career as an educator, athletic director and coach. Later she would joke about how much things had changed from the time when Fritz would bring home the high school football team’s game uniforms for her to launder.
She was an excellent cook and baker who seemed to effortlessly create delicious and unique dishes. Her recipes have been handed down and are often requested favorites, although no one makes them quite like Flo did.
Flo loved traveling and upon retirement, Flo and Fritz traveled throughout the United States taking cross country trips. It’s possible they had visited every one of the continental states and Alaska. She also enjoyed gardening and playing bridge and belonged to several organizations.
Florence was a loving grandmother and great-grandmother who took great joy in all children. Over the years she may have lost the ability to remember faces and events but she was Mum and Grandma Flo until the last.
Flo resided at Country Meadows in Bridgeville for last few years and the family would like to thank the staff of the Connections Memory Support Services for their kind and compassionate care. They are also appreciative of the brief but wonderful care provided by Bridges Hospice
Visitation Wednesday April 21 10:30 – 12:00
Followed by a private service
Memorial contributions may be made to SHIM South Hills Interfaith Movement at shimcares.org.
Condolences may be left at www.jeffersonmemorial.biz.
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