Ann M. Froehlich

Ann M. Froehlich, born on Valentine's Day of 1940, passed away at home in Jacksonville, with family and caregivers at her side on October 13, 2017. “Miss Ann”, as she was known to many, was a lady of elegance, kindness, beauty, and understanding that endeared her to all that knew her.

A graduate of the class of 1958 at Pensacola Catholic High, she attended Pensacola Junior College, where she met and married Edward W. Froehlich. With her constant love and support, Ed rose to the rank of Captain, USN, and they spent 56 years together seeing the world, including much of the United States, as well as Hawaii, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and China. Holding the toughest job in the Navy, she was the perfect Navy Wife, leading her family through moves every two years, raising three wonderful children, and successfully managing the household alone because of her husband’s extended deployments. She organized events, and she comforted and led the wives and families of the crewmen and wardrooms of the ships and Naval Stations that her husband commanded. She was actively involved with the Naval Order of the United States, as well as with other military service organizations. Notably, the Mayport Council of the Military Officers of America Association presented Ann with the CDR Edward E. Sigler Award for most outstanding achievement. She was also active in the Navy League, where Ann served on the commissioning committee for USS Carney (DDG 64), earning the designation of plank owner. A soft spoken lady, at numerous events Ann would walk into a room full of strangers, and with a genuine care for people, she would listen to what each had to say. By the end of the evening, Ann would know each person, and they in turn would remember Ann as a friend. Although soft spoken, as her children would put it, if you crossed the line, watch out! She was a lady of great conviction and caring, and was a staunch advocate for those she knew and loved. Her high standards were apparent, and Ann was always uncompromising as a Christian and Patriot. She loved the martial music of John Phillip Sousa, as well as Lee Greenwood’s “I’m Proud to be an American.” She passed her exceptional insights on to her children and grandchildren, and they will always love her for it. In 2010, Ann suffered a fall with a resulting brain injury, which led to extreme challenges that she met as fiercely as she had met all of the other challenges in her life. With the help of fantastic professionals from Brooks Rehab, Mayo Clinic, Community Hospice and her friend and caregiver Jenny Armstrong, she fought her illness with class and determination to the very last day.

Ann is predeceased by her parents, Vincent and Jean Matroni, her brother Vincent and sister Cathy. She is survived by her husband Ed, Son Mark (Tinnon), Daughter Laura (Vince), and Daughter Stacy (Matt), Brother Michael (Suzy), Sister Joanie (John), Sister Janet (Randy), and grandchildren, Diana, Katie, William, Sarah, Quentin, Anna, and Colleen.

A visitation and reception for Ann will be held from 5 to 7 pm, Thursday, October 19, at Hardage-Giddens Beaches Funeral Home, 1701 Beaches Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL.

At 10 am on Friday, October 20, a memorial Mass will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 435 1st Ave North, Jacksonville Beach, FL, followed by interment at Jacksonville National Cemetery at 4083 Lannie Rd., Jacksonville, FL.

Ann loved flowers and they are welcome at Hardage-Giddens. If you feel more disposed to providing a donation in Ann’s name, donations to Community Hospice and Palliative Care 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 are also welcomed.