Hatsie was born in a pivotal time in history, persevering through the war years and was able to become one of the first women admitted to university in Tokyo in 1946.
She was then able to obtain a position with the U.S. Army I Corps as a colonel’s personal secretary, nicknamed “Speedy” for her exceptional typing skills. There she met Louis Fontenot and they married in 1950. Hatsie was quite the social butterfly and loved to dance, and she was even a champion jitterbugger in Tokyo. In 1952, they were blessed with a daughter, Lumiko Hope but, sadly she was widowed later that same year.
Hatsie was a successful business and land developer in Tokyo in the 1950’s. Buying property and developing apartments.
A friend set up Hatsie on a blind date where she met Norman (Butch) Fredericks in 1957. After a long courtship, she was hesitant to marry another soldier, so Butch finished his enlistment back in the states then returned one year later in 1960 proving his love and they were married and moved to Ohio, USA. Hatsie and Butch welcomed sons Norman Lynne in 1961 and John Paul in 1967.
After visiting relatives in Louisiana, they fell in love with the area and moved to Southwest Louisiana in 1970 settling in Welsh to raise their family. Hatsie worked in the family business, Standard Casing, in the 80’s as bookkeeper and office manager. In 1987, Hatsie and Butch returned to Ohio where, once again, she was widowed in 1990.
Hatsie went on to teach Japanese language courses at the collegiate level before being offered a position as personal affairs and office manager to the Japanese executive management of Protec Steel. In 1999, Hatsie returned to Welsh, LA to enjoy her growing number of young grandchildren.
Throughout her life, Hatsie was active in community organizations, served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, and was a faithful member of her church. She loved to cook for her family and friends and was famous for her salad dressing and lemon meringue pies. She loved gardening and was known for her green thumb. Even during her last days at the Guardian Nursing Home, Hatsie touched many lives and was much loved through her daily ministry of going around the facility and lifting up each staff and fellow residents in prayer.
Hatsie’s family rejoices now in the Blessed Assurance that she at last stands in the presence of her beloved Savior Jesus Christ.
She was preceded in death by her father, Komakichi Wada; mother, Sada Dotoku; sisters, Kiyoko and Harue; brothers, Chotaro and Tatsuji; husband, Louis Fontenot; daughter, Lumiko Hope Hryzan; son-in-law, Terry Hryzan; husband, Norman Charles Fredericks; and son, Norman Lynne Fredericks.
She is survived by her sister, Kimiko Wada of Fukui, Japan; son, John (Daisy) Fredericks of Lake Charles; grandchildren, Heather (Craig) Charpiat of Odenton, MD, Nicole (Jason) Witt of Littlestown, PA, Brett Lawrence of Welsh, Matthew Fredericks of Welsh, Jacob Fredericks of VA, Ian Fredericks of Lake Charles, Catheryn Fredericks of Lake Charles, and Laura (Kale) Bryant of Welsh; great-grandchildren, Lindsay, Taylor, Amberlynn, Presley, Tyler, Barrett, Leah, and Percy, with a 9th great-grandchild expected later this year; beloved sister-in-law, Wilma; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will welcome relatives and friends at Hixson Funeral Home in Welsh on Friday, October 2, 2026, beginning at 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will resume on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Welsh at 1:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life to begin at 2:00 p.m.
Interment will be at a later date in Marion Township Cemetery, Hamler, OH.
