Marie A. Fry

Marie A. Fry (nee Michels), 99, passed away March 19, 2025, surrounded by friends and family. She was called back home by her Heavenly Father to be reunited with the love of her life, husband Francis J. Fry, her beloved daughter, Lisa G. Fry, and sweet baby grandson, Stephen Fry. She was a long time resident of Champaign, Il., Indianapolis, In., and Port Charlotte, Fl.

Marie was born and raised in Pittsburg, Pa. Her courtship with Francis endured during World War II when she worked for the Navy Department, and they then married in 1946. Subsequently, they moved to Champaign, Il., where they began their family eventually adopting twelve children. While in Champaign, Marie fostered her love of gardening, sewing, home building, singing, and her love of travel. She was not only invested in raising her own family but also hosted several foreign exchange students who attended the University of Illinois. She was also involved in her children’s education and was President of the Parent’s Club at the children’s school. Employment opportunities resulted in their move to Indianapolis, In. It was at this time that Marie had the opportunity to further her education. She went on to graduate and obtain her degree in computer programming when her youngest children attended grade school. While in Indianapolis, she perfected her sewing skills by creating wedding dresses and bridal party regalia, enjoyed hosting numerous entertainment activities and parties, became an accomplished ballroom dancer, and further explored the Far East with many trips to Japan. Her love of Japanese culture manifested in her home décor, gardens, and way of life.

After working with Frank for many years, they both retired and moved to Port Charlotte, Fl. It was at this stage in life that she became more fully engaged in her religious studies and undertakings, and could spend more time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Marie’s big heart, kind words, sense of humor, and family matriarch energy will be greatly missed by all.

She is preceded in death by her husband, one daughter, and one grandson. Survivors include children Philomena Boehmer of Alta Vista, Iowa, Robert of Aiken, S.C., Kathleen Weltzin of Fenton, Mo., Mary Slade of Champaign, Il., Diana Miller of Port Charlotte, Fl., Charles of Westfield, In., Theresa Russell of Boca Raton, Fl., Francis of Mooresville, N.C., Anne Hug of Indianapolis, In., William of Terrell, N.C., and Dr. Kimberly of Savannah, Ga., in addition to 41 grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.

The funeral mass will be on May 2, 2025, at 1:00 pm at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church located at 21505 Augusta Avenue, Port Charlotte, Fl., with arrangements provided by Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes & Cremation Services. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.