Patricia June “Pat” Fredritz was reunited with her husband and her Lord and Savior Thursday afternoon, September 12, 2013, at the Sterling House following an extended illness. She was 75 years old and of Marion.
On March 26, 1938 Pat was born in Marion, Ohio, the younger of two children of the late John and Mabel (Augenstein) Matthews. She graduated from Marion Harding High School in the Class of 1956. Next, she was proud to earn a degree in music education from the Ohio State University.
Being raised in the First United Church of Christ in Marion, it was there on one Easter Sunday morning she met her husband to be, Richard Fredritz, who had just moved to Marion from Tiffin. They were married shortly thereafter on June 25, 1960, at that same church. They shared 49 wonderful years of marriage and lovingly raised three children. Richard preceded her in death on October 14, 2009.
After earning her degree from OSU, Pat worked as a music teacher for the Marion City Schools and MARCA. Later in life, Pat followed her dreams of becoming a nurse, going back to school to earn her degree to become a licensed practical nurse. Afterwards she worked at Marion General Hospital in the home health and cancer registry department.
Following in her brother’s footsteps, music was an integral part of Pat’s entire life. She had a gift for music that came naturally to her. She followed her passion for music as a dedicated church organist for nearly 50 years, first serving as choir director and organist at her home church, the First United Church of Christ. She later became a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she again served as organist until May 2012 when she retired and was commended by Mayor Scott Schertzer in a special Sunday church service. In addition to playing at her church, she also gave home private lessons, teaching many students to play the piano and appreciate music for many years.
Finding beauty in everything, Pat could always see the best in everyone and everything. She loved gardening and looked forward to her flowers every bloom. She also was a very creative person, dabbling in art from time to time throughout her life.
Most important of all to Pat was her family. She raised her children to be creative and independent, and she couldn’t be more proud of who they all have become.
She will be dearly missed by her three children: Ben (Jennifer) Fredritz of Columbus, Jenny (Bruce) Nicely of Powell, and Trish Fredritz of Marion; four grandchildren: Bella Fredritz, Julia and Joseph Nicely, and Madisen Fredritz; a sister-in-law, Joyce Matthews of Columbus; and several nieces and nephews.
Including her husband and parents, Pat was preceded in death by her brother, Ed Matthews.
Her family will greet friends from 1PM to 3PM on Sunday, September 22, 2013 the First Presbyterian Church, 143 S. Prospect St., Marion. Services celebrating her life and her homecoming will follow at 3PM with Dr.Thomas Mori officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church.
The family would like to thank all of the staff at Sterling House for their kind and gentle care.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Pat’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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