Mary Fritch Quetsch

Mary Fritch Quetsch, of McLean, VA, passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2018 in Falls Church, Virginia after complications from colon cancer. Born on January 31, 1932 to Martin Shanabarger of Peru, IN and Mabel Adams of Roanoke, VA, she was named Helen. Mabel Adams fell ill during the Great Depression, and Martin, unable to work and care for two babies, placed Helen and her brother (one year older) in St Vincent’s Villa orphanage. At age 2, she was adopted by Louis C. Fritch and Zula Schaefer Fritch of South Bend, IN and given the name Mary Alice. Her new parents returned a week later intending to adopt her brother, but he had already been adopted. Mary did not learn of her brother, renamed Edward Rogers, until she was 21. They met at that time and stayed close thereafter. Mary was given a baby grand piano at age 5 by her grandfather and became a very accomplished pianist, winning several awards. Mary attended Saint Mary’s Academy for girls in South Bend, IN from kindergarten thru high school, then earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music and Philosophy from Saint Mary’s College. After graduation, Mary married the love of her life, John Ruxton (Jack) Quetsch, a Notre Dame graduate, after a long courtship. While Jack was deployed during the Korean war, Mary remained in South Bend, working as a switchboard operator. Upon leaving Korea, Jack took a position in Washington, D.C. with the Dept of the Navy, and he moved with Mary to Virginia. Over the course of 15 years, from 1955 to 1969, Mary gave birth to seven children: John L. Quetsch, Lawrence J. Quetsch, Paul L. Quetsch, James M. Quetsch, Martha Q. Kiesel, Joseph A. Quetsch and Mary G. Quetsch. Mary also had 13 grandchildren: David J. Quetsch, Megan K. Quetsch, Joseph W. Quetsch, Benjamin F. Kiesel, Anne K. Quetsch, Christine M. Quetsch, Catherine A. Kiesel, Brien R. Quetsch, Emily S. Gaetjen, Anna E. Gaetjen, Laura M. Kiesel, Michael J. Quetsch, and Abigail M. Gaetjen. Mary was a loving and caring mother, with extraordinary common sense and emotional strength. She was a very dedicated wife, whose love and family devotion helped Jack achieve great success within the Department of Defense. A devout Catholic, Mary awoke early every morning for prayer and reflection, and found refuge daily in playing the piano. Mary was also the parish organist for many years, sang in the choir, and contributed much of her time to parish and charitable activities at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church. Mary was loved and will be missed by all. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to catholiccharitiesusa.org.