Tanya Alicia Fry

Toni was born in San Francisco, CA, spending her early years on the family cattle ranch outside of Watsonville, CA. She was the only child of Marion Beecher, the daughter of Alaska pioneers, and Jose Ojeda, whose family had first settled California as a Spanish Land Grant Family. Toni’s formative years were spent in Pacific Grove, CA along the beautiful Monterey, CA coastline; with summers on the ranch - riding horses, playing in the fields, and learning to love the golden light of the rolling California hillsides.

She attended Mills College, in San Francisco (Class of 1951) where she met, fell in love, and married a dashing young Naval officer who swept her off to the South Pacific in what would become a lifetime of marriage, world travel, and adventure.

Toni and John C Fry (USNA class of 48’) spent an idyllic first two years together on Chukk (Truk) island, in Micronesia, where John was stationed. Toni kept busy exploring her new paradise, and teaching children at the local school. She called this time in life “her two-year honeymoon”

Beginning with a duty station in San Diego, Toni started her family, and went on to bring up her three sons while honing her skills as a “Navy wife.” Together they raised: John C. Fry Jr. (53’) (Robin), David C. Fry (55’) (Debbie – deceased), and Matthew B. Fry (59’) (MaryAnn). Holding down the home front, when John was away at sea, became a way of life for Toni.

This was followed with postings to both US coasts, as well as Japan, and stints in DC, at the Pentagon. She recalled “My records show that we made some 12-15 moves in 18 years. I do not remember being frustrated or unfulfilled. I had sons to nurture, a loving albeit often absent husband, my parents, and good friends.”

After John’s Navy tour ended in Japan (1967), the family traveled around the world with the three boys in tow, continuing the lifelong family adventure. Toni and John then settled in Bethesda, MD.

In the 70’s she was an involved member of the Mills College Alumni Association, serving as president of the Washington DC club, and two terms as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Governor. Toni was one of the original group of women that established and supported Washington Opportunities for Women. During these years in Bethesda, she was an active member of the Edgemoor Tennis and Swim Club.

Later in life Toni wrote that it was during these years that she continued “manning the firing line at home, steering her often rebellious and questioning teenagers through the shoals of the Viet Nam years, drugs, high school, university, and their coming of age.”

John went on to work for Vice President Humphrey, USAID, eventually joined the US Foreign Service as a Senior Officer. They were blessed to be stationed in the Brussels, Belgium, the US embassy in Stockholm Sweden, and the US War College in DC. Toni easily transitioned to being a diplomat’s wife, enjoyed entertaining dignitaries, and traveling throughout Europe and Africa. She even learned French along the way.

In 1978 they moved to a home in downtown Annapolis, MD, Toni finished her studies and earned a para-legal degree, working for several years in a large DC law firm. She had an extremely sharp mind and was good with both technology and organization. Toni was considered an asset wherever she went.

During this time, Toni and John bought a family vacation home in Hilton Head, SC, where they went on to enjoy many years of tennis, biking, and the beach, with their son’s families and grandchildren. For them this was their “Golden Pond.” Toni and John also maintained a winter home in the California desert.

Toni was an elegant and sophisticated woman, with a wide range of interests. She was a member of St. Anne’s Episcopal church, The Annapolis Art Guild, friends of St John’s College, all the while keeping up with local, national, and international events. She made many beautiful needle point pillows, and somewhere in the pews of St Anne’s Episcopal Church in Annapolis, there is a kneeling bench cover she lovingly made.

John and Toni moved to Ginger Cove (Annapolis, MD) in 2009. Toni was an avid reader, involved in numerous book clubs, Foreign Affairs study groups, as well as writing occasionally for Literary Lite. She volunteered with the Garden Club and planted numerous bulbs and flowers around Ginger Cove. She helped to provided floral arrangements and volunteered regularly at the Ginger Cove store. Toni was friendly and warm to all, a wonderful hostess, a wise and loving Mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother to 5 wonderful and adored grandchildren – Chris (88’), Nick (90’), Matthew (91’), Haley (96’), and Kirsten (99’).

Toni was predeceased in life by her best friend and husband of 67 years, John C Fry (2016), and her youngest son Matthew B Fry (2017).

She was a dear friend to many throughout her life. Toni was a joy to be around, patient, positive and encouraging others, despite the loss of her husband, youngest son, and her declining health. Toni was beloved by many and we will miss her greatly.

Toni was blessed to travel the world with her beloved husband John. She had many friends, a lifetime of amazing adventures, built a family, and enjoyed a wonderful long life together with John.

She will be missed and remembered by all who knew her.

Memorial services will be held Friday, April 25th at 11:00 am, at Ginger Cove – Friendship Hall, 4000 River Crescent Way, Annapolis, MD, followed by a personal remembrance reception from 12 - 2 at Ginger Cove’s Annapolis Room.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory can made to the Ginger Cove Residents Club, 4000 River Crescent Dr. Annapolis, MD 21401