Laurie Anne Lewis-Fritz

Laurie was born January 31, 1984, in Naples Florida, the daughter of Lester “Skip” Jr. and Virginia Lenington Lewis, of Nokomis, Illinois. Laurie married Mark Fritz at the gazebo in Washington Park in Springfield on May 14, 2016, and he survives.

She is also survived by her children, whom she cherished and adored, Lela, 3 years old, and Anthony, 1 year old. She is also survived by her parents; her sister, Anna (husband, Craig) DuPont; father- and mother-in-law, Gordon and Shelley Fritz; brother-in-law, Michael (wife, Kelly); nieces, Brandie and Brianna; grandniece, Emmy; aunts and uncles; many dear friends; and her music students. She also leaves her furry family, dog, George, and cats, Sadie, Ian, and Wonka.

Laurie was preceded in death by a beloved unborn child; and her grandparents, Madeline R. and George D. Lenington and Virginia L. and Lester L. Lewis.

Laurie spent her childhood on the family farm spending lots of time with their animals. She and her sister bottle-fed calves, helped with the chickens, playing with kittens and the girls even had their own goats for a while. Much of Laurie’s childhood was spent outside, playing with her sister and the neighbor kids. She loved dancing with her grandmother and sister at her grandparents’ house to her favorite music, which included Billy Ray Cyrus and Elvis. Laurie’s childhood was filled with music and it was apparent at an early age that she was musically talented. She started taking piano lessons at a very young age and was in band & choir in elementary school through high school. In high school she was on the drum line, leading the line by the time she was a senior. She performed and accompanied others at state solo & ensemble as well as other contests. Her parents were so proud to have a young daughter with so much talent, “and with the guts of a lion.” In addition to her gifts in music, she was academically gifted as well, getting straight As and taking high school classes before graduating 8th grade.

Laurie earned a Master of Music in opera/music theater with an emphasis on music directing and conducting and a bachelor’s degree in music, both from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She earned her associates degree from John A. Logan Community College. While at SIUC, she traveled to China as a member of the concert choir. In 2013, Laurie was a team member on a month-long Rotary Group Study Exchange trip to Macedonia, learning how her vocation and the vocations of her team members were performed overseas. Upon returning from the Group Study Exchange, Laurie became a member of the Rotary Club of Jacksonville and later a charter member of the Rotary eClub of Central Illinois.

Laurie was a phenomenal music director and professor who was able to connect easily with her students by being her open, authentic self. She led the music program at MacMurray College in Jacksonville, was Lead Faculty for Vocal Performance at Lincoln College in Lincoln and most recently was an assistant professor of music at Lincoln Land Community College. Laurie also provided music lessons at Music Therapy Connections in Springfield. She was music director for five seasons at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre in Clinton, Iowa and also led the music for shows in Bigfork, Montana, Rolla, Missouri, and Carbondale, Illinois.

Laurie loved having a good time with her students and friends. She was grateful for the ability to connect with her students through music. To them she was much more than a professor. She was a cheerleader and encourager. To her they are a legacy.

Her family adored her and she loved gossiping about reality TV with her sister. She loved that she and her sister got closer as adults as they both got married and grew their families.

Her friends knew they were loved and that they were getting a reliably honest, dependable, and genuine friend in Laurie. Laurie and Mark’s relationship was one of true love. They supported each other and Laurie knew Mark was always there to encourage her dreams and support her in the hardest of times. At the end of her life, her thoughts were constantly on her beloved children and how sad she was that they would grow up without her. She wanted them to always know how very much she loves them. Mark and her friends have vowed to make sure her children grow up knowing her by telling them stories about their incredible, brave, and fun mom.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Memorial Gathering and Service: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home - Chatham, 8855 State Rt. 4, Chatham. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home - Chatham, with Amy Kay Pavlovich officiating. A Celebration of Life Reception will be held immediately following the service at Prairie View Reception Center, 8865 State Rt. 4, Chatham.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to educational funds for her children. Checks can be made to Lela Fritz Educational Fund or Anthony Fritz Educational Fund and sent to United Community Bank, 301 N. Main Street, Chatham, IL. 62629, or given to the funeral home.