Virginia Marie Fritz

Virginia Marie (O’Connor) Fritz, age 78 passed away peacefully August 3, 2023, after a long battle with dementia. She was born in Kankakee to Donald O’Connor and Mary Anne (Sullivan) O'Connor. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Leonel Carl Fritz, son Michael Anthony Fritz, her parents, and her brother Donald O'Connor. She will be greatly missed by her sons Carl (Heidi) Fritz of Denver, CO, Tim (Gina) Fritz of West Chicago, and Matt (Traci) Fritz of Coal City. Cherished sister to Donald (Theresa) O’Connor, Maureen (Thomas L.) O’Connor, Thomas R. O’Connor, David (Martha) O’Connor, Patrick (Rose) O’Connor, Eugene O’Connor, and Kathleen O’Connor. Beloved sister-in-law to A. Joseph (Carol) Fritz, John (Gloria) Fritz, Leon (Teresa) Fritz, Donna (Gerald) Bernicky, and Robert Fritz; and wonderful grandmother to Colin, Samuel, Molly, Eli, Amelia, Wyatt, Theo, and Henry. Virginia will fondly be remembered by friends, family, and all who encountered her quick wit and frequent laughter. Virginia spent her early years shooting hoops and playing with her seven siblings on her parents’ farm in Irwin, Illinois. Virginia and Leonel began dating after they met on the bus to their respective high schools of St. Joseph Seminary and St. Patrick's Central. Virginia and Leonel’s love was evidenced by the stacks of love letters left behind from a long-distance relationship due to Leonel’s time in the Air Force as well as their nearly 45-year marriage. Virginia spent many busy years raising her four sons first in Mokena and then in St. Charles. She spent Sundays, first Saturdays, and holy days attending mass at St. John Neumann Church where she and Leonel were one of its founding families. Virginia was frequently seen with her son Mikey and Leonel by her side. She was a devout Catholic with an especially close relationship to the Virgin Mary. Virginia was passionate in her commitment to Pro-Life work and led the Sorrowful Mother Novena each month at St. John Neumann's. Also, one of her later joys in life was singing with the local acapella group Sweet Adelines as an alto. Virginia loved and was committed to her family and to God. Her family finds comfort in the image of Mikey walking to welcome her into heaven and Leonel ready with a hug. On Friday, August 11, 2023, there will be a recitation of the Rosary at 9 am with visitation until the funeral mass is celebrated by Fr. Ron Neitzke at 11 am at St. James the Apostle Catholic Church, 4372 Main St, Irwin, IL. Interment will follow at St. James Cemetery in Irwin. In lieu of flowers, donations in Virginia’s name can be made to The Marklund Fund 1S450 Wyatt Drive, Geneva, IL, 60134. The Marklund Annual Fund supports the mission of making everyday life possible for individuals with profound disabilities. They compassionately cared for her son Mike when it was needed.

Virginia Marie Fritz

November 4, 1944 - August 3, 2023