Edeltraud Fietz Fandry

Columbia – Ms. Edeltraud Fietz Fandry aged 90 passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Born July 17, 1935 in Silesia, Germany. She was the daughter of the late Ernest Fietz and Anna Fietz. Early life was spent placed in an orphanage with her along with her brother KarlHeinz after her father’s untimely demise. Her mother eventually returned once WWII was over where she later relocated her family to Heilbronn post WWII.

Edeltraud completed high school in Heilbronn, Germany. Afterwards she went to work in a sewing room at a factory. After meeting her husband, she moved back stateside as a military wife. She then went to work as a prison guard at Broad River Correctional Institution. She retired from this job and always claimed it was the best job she ever had.

Edeltraud was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith. She was a kind-hearted person who loved animals of all kinds, especially dogs and her special buddy Tanner.

Ms. Fandry had a fondness of dancing and a passion for Spanish music. She had a love of music in general, also she was surprisingly good at playing the harmonica from memory as well. Edeltraud enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles, earlier on she enjoyed doing needlework as well as fine point lace style work.

Ms. Fandry had a curious mind on a variety of topics. Ever inquisitive, she would engage you on viewpoints with an interesting dialog. She was a great storyteller; it was as you were listening to a living history book. She truly loved and took pride in her homeland of Germany and most of all Silesia.

Surviving are her daughters Sylvia Szkudlarek, Angela Thurlow (Jerry), 5 grandchildren, her brother KarlHeinz Fietz, a niece, and two nephews. In addition to her parents, Ernest Fietz and Anna Fietz, she was predeceased by her husband Donald E. Fandry.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers, 3 Oaks Hospice Care, and J.F. Hawkins Nursing Home. The memorial service will be held Sunday, May 17th, 2026, at Julia’s German Stammtisch, 120 Sparkleberry Crossing Rd., Columbia, SC 29229 from 1-2 pm.

Memorials may be made to any animal shelters or organizations of your choice in honor of Edeltraud F. Fandry.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com