Joan Holland Fritz

February 21, 1931 — November 6, 2020

Joan Fritz, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 89. She is survived by her devoted husband, Ted; children Terry and Kim and their spouses, Rita and Jamie; grandchildren Justin and Lauren and their spouses, Tim and Chris; great-grandson Zephyr; Gail Fritz, mother of Justin and Lauren; sister Gladys Correll; in-laws Lou and Mary Jane Fritz; step-grandchildren, Ari and Mara Waldruff; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by oldest child, Kathy, and her two brothers Larry and Reed.

Joan was born in Baltimore, MD, the third child and first daughter of Leo and Myrtle Holland. She attended Sudbrook Methodist Church, where she was married and all of her children baptized. She graduated from Franklin High School, where she worked on the school paper and yearbook. She and Ted were married in 1953 when he returned from the Korean War. Within the next five years, Joan and Ted welcomed Kathy, Terry and Kim into the family.

Ted’s job in the major appliance business took the family from Baltimore to Richmond, VA then Atlanta, GA, Memphis, TN, Columbus, OH and Somerset, NJ. At each new place, Joan tackled the myriad tasks large and small needed to set up a new home and routine for the family. The annual Christmas letter she penned kept friends and family updated on the Fritz family’s doings—as well as the address changes.

Joan and Ted retired to Wilmington, NC in 1995. They attended Pine Valley Methodist Church, where they participated in many groups and held a variety of positions, including as Stephen Ministers. In 2017, they moved to Whitestone Retirement Community in Greensboro, NC to be near Terry.

Joan held a variety of jobs throughout her life, including in offices and retail, and many years as a much-loved kindergarten teacher. But the role she cherished above all was as mother and grandmother. Joan adored children, particularly her own offspring. A natural teacher, she was especially adept at instilling confidence in her children and grandchildren, while fostering their creative sides and encouraging them to try new things. Her unfailing support for all of the family’s endeavors embodied her unconditional love for them and will be greatly missed.

Although Joan was a good cook, she never did learn to roll out the dough for Christmas sugar cookies without cursing, a source of endless amusement for her children.

The family will hold a celebration of Joan’s life at Whitestone Chapel when it is safe again, for all who loved her, to come together.