Bertha E. Fritsch, 82, Collected Teddy Bears

Bertha E. (nee Strauss) Fritsch, 82 died on Friday evening, January 12, 2001 at Community Health Partners and Surgical Center West in Lorain, OH following a long illness.
Mrs. Fritsch was born on August 31, 1918 in Lorain, OH and was a life long resident of this area. She was a graduate of Lorain High School Class of 1936 and graduated from the Oberlin Business College with an associates degree in 1938. She was a member of Christian Temple Disciples of Christ Church, serving for a number of years as a deaconess and as church treasurer. She was also very active and treasurer of the Christian Temple Women's Fellowship.
Mrs. Fritsch was retired in 1973 from the records and registrar's office at Lorain County Community College after more than 20 years of service.
She was a 50 year member of the Queen City Chapter #66. Order of Eastern Star, and member of Public Employee's Retirement Group of Lorain County Community College.
Mrs. Fritsch enjoyed crocheting blankets which she donated to the "Warm Up America" Campaign. She also was an avid reader, enjoyed word find puzzles, made ceramics, collected "Teddy Bears"
She is survived by her husband: Walter A. Fritsch, to whom she was married on August 31, 1940, two daughters: Karen F. Pitkin of Cherry Hill, NJ, Norma J. Skarupa of Bear, DE, 2 grandchildren, and her sister Margaret "Peggy" Malham of Elyria, OH.
Mrs. Fitsch is preceded in death by her parents: Frederick and Pauline A. (nee Babcock) Strauss, brothers: Alfred Strauss, and Robert Strauss.
Friends may call at Schwarts Spence & Boyer Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th St., Lorain, OH, on Tuesday, January 16, 2001 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Queen City Chapter # 66 of Order of Eastern Stars will provide memorial service at 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. in Schwartz Spence & Boyer Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th St., Lorain, OH, with Rev. Bradley J. Donahue, pastor of Christian Temple Disciples of Christ officiating.
Bertha E. Fritsch will be buried at Ridge Hill Memorial Park Cemetery in Amherst Twp., OH
Family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to: Christian Temple Disciples of Christ Memorial Fund, 940 W. 5th St., Lorain.