Eleanor Fritsch

obituary

Eleanor (Billharz) Fritsch – 92, of North Reading and formerly of Seaford, Long Island, NY, died Saturday, January 23, 2021. She was the beloved wife of 64 years to the late John G. Fritsch.

Born in New York, New York on June 14, 1928. She was the daughter of the late Henry and Martha (Curley) Billharz. She was a graduate of Astoria High School in New York. Eleanor has been a resident of North Reading for the past 55 years and a member of St. Theresa’s Church.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Eleanor loved travelling, playing bridge and entertaining her many friends.

Family members include her loving son, Michael E. Fritsch and his partner Laura McLaughlin of North Reading;  late son, John H. Fritsch and late daughter, Martha E. Fritsch; her brother, Robert Billharz and his wife Joanne of Naples, FL  and sister, Jeannette Atkins of Phoenixville, PA; daughter-in-law, Eileen Fritsch of Milford, NH; grandchildren, Dana Fritsch and his wife Lindsay and their daughter Haylie of Las Vegas, NV, Mikayla Fritsch of Somerville and Madison Fritsch of North Reading; step grandchildren, Sean O’ Brien and his daughter Emma and Robyn Smith and her husband Bob; In-laws, the late Margaret and William Chabina of Syosset, NY and Helen Layng and her late husband William of Smyra, GA .

Her funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Friday, January 29 at 9:15 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 28 from 5 to 7 PM. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. The funeral Mass will be livestreamed (sttheresanreading.org). Social distancing and mask wearing protocols will be followed. Memorial donations may be made in her name to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or to the charity of one’s choice. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

8 thoughts on “Eleanor Fritsch”

  1. Eleanor was an amazing woman. Every phone call ended with “I have two empty bedrooms for you” . She was a lady of strength, character and grace. We always felt lucky to see her and sit with her at family functions, as we knew we would have fun! Just like her mom, she was a gourmet cook before we even knew what that meant! She would poke around in her pantry and make the most wonderful dishes. She carried herself with dignity as her heart broke when her daughter, husband and son preceded her to heaven . We pray for her son Michael. and her grandchildren, and hope that in time the pain of her passing will be replaced with joyful memories. We love you all and will see you as soon as we can. God give you strength and peace.

  2. I’m very sorry for the loss of your mother. I was a classmate of Martha’s. I have never forgotten Martha or her family. May your mom rest in peace.
    Anne Gleason

  4. Micheal, I’m so very sorry about the loss of your mother. Seeing this brought me back 50 years being in a house surrounded by love and laughter. Her warmth and kindness stayed with me all these years. Thinking of you and the rest of your loved ones during this difficult time. Georgette (Pasisis) Heerwagen

  5. Michael and family; I would like to offer my sincere sympathy to you all on the death of your mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Eleanor and I had some wonderful times together and the most memorable would be our world travels, We went to China, Thailand, Malaysia, Israel and Egypt just to name a few of the countries. Now when I watch TV and see these places mentioned I will always remember Eleanor and our adventures. Travel was but one of her happy times as she loved to play bridge as well as lots of other activities.
    I have happy memories of the many parties that she hosted at her house and she was very happy to be invited to other gatherings as well. She certainly had a zest for life although life dealt her some very very sad times. She also volunteered for many years as president of the AARP group at the Senior Center in Andover and also worked as a member of the Council of Aging here in North Reading.
    Goodbye Eleanor and you certainly enriched my life!
    Marilyn Henderson

  6. Aunt Eleanor, I have so many good memories of you. Though I am sorry you are gone, I know you are now reunited with Family. Love, your Nephew, Billy

  7. Aunt Eleanor, thank you for all the fond memories I have from visiting you when I was young. I loved staying at your house with you, Uncle John, and Martha. Your big smile and generous heart will be missed. Know that I loved you a lot. Rest in Peace. -Christopher

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