Frances Marie Druskis Fritz will be remembered for many things, but mostly for her strong faith, service to others, and the joy she showed until her dying day. She rarely complained about anything in the 95 years she graced this earth. Frances was called home on October 24, 2024.
Born to John and Frances Druskis on April 3, 1929, Fran, as she was known, grew up on the westside of Grand Rapids in a Lithuanian neighborhood along with her sisters Christina, Alyce and Millie. The daughter of immigrants, Fran was very proud of her Lithuanian heritage and as a child was fluent in the language. Fran went on to study English and history and graduated from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. During her college years, she met the love of her life, John Fritz, on a blind date. They were married July 7, 1951, and in 2024 celebrated 73 years of marriage.
Fran’s passion was raising her children, helping those less fortunate, reading, and mastering difficult crossword puzzles. She enjoyed reading the bible, studying history, listening to classical music, and hosting wonderful family and friends get togethers. A devout catholic, she attended St. Stephens Church and volunteered in numerous positions and functions. For several years, Fran worked for Right to Life of Michigan and fought to save the lives of the unborn. Fran attended many marches in Washington DC and was later recognized at RTL for her many contributions. When her children were grown, she and her husband John volunteered at God’s Kitchen. Fran also enjoyed attending women’s bible study, water aerobics, and numerous dinners at Salvatore’s restaurant with longtime friends known as “Sals Pals”. She loved to travel with her husband, John, and made numerous trips to other countries as well as visiting her daughters and families in the Pacific Northwest. In 1999, she traveled to Lithuania to visit the home of her parents.
Preceded in death by her parents, John and Frances Druskis, and sisters Christina Lunzer, Alyce Dahl, and Millie Smith. She is survived by her devoted husband, John; and children, John Fritz and wife Kathleen, Mary Fritz, Susan Waarheid and husband Freddie, and Jean Grantham and husband Paul; grandchildren, Chris Fritz and wife Ashley, Hana Waters, and Philip Nedoma and wife Caitie; and great grandchildren, Greta and Grayson Fritz, Ally Waters, and Olin and Fritz Nedoma.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Stephens Catholic Church, 750 Gladstone Dr SE, East Grand Rapids MI 49506, on November 8th, 2024, at 11am with visitation one-hour prior. Visitation will be November 7th, from 5pm to 7pm at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids MI 49546. Interment at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, 2:30pm, November 8th, 2024. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Right to Life or God’s Kitchen.