Nancy C. Fritz

Nancy C. Fritz of Swarthmore died peacefully at home on April 20, 2020. During her final hours she was surrounded by her five daughters, either in person or over the phone. She drew great comfort from the thought of joining her beloved husband Barkley and daughter Linda in heaven.

Nancy was born 91 years ago in Baltimore to the late John Warner Cooper and Harriett Lucretia Anthony Cooper. A bright and dedicated student, she was fast tracked through Eastern High School in Baltimore and completed nurses' training at Church Home and Hospital at Johns Hopkins University. She worked as a registered nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital until devoting herself fully to motherhood. She resumed her nursing career first at Bryn Mawr Hospital, then through the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, where for several years she lovingly tended to the children of the towns.

Nancy was an active and devoted member of Swarthmore Presbyterian Church. She served as a deacon, ministering to residents of nursing homes. She moderated Presbyterian Women in the Philadelphia Presbytery. She was an active member of the church's Bible study group, hosting gatherings in her home when she was faced with mobility impairments.

Nancy and her late husband Barkley were avid bridge players, who enjoyed a well-honed and dynamic partnership. They traveled widely, eager to learn about various cultures. This global perspective fostered their long commitment to peace and justice issues. Nancy grew up listening to classical music on the radio with her parents. She and Barkley had subscription seats to the Philadelphia Orchestra, and after his death she took her daughters and grandchildren. The picture above is from one such venture.

Nancy is survived by five daughters, Susan Veach of Potamac, MD (late husband Edward Veach), Karen B. Fritz of Newton, MA (husband Anthony Kill), Janet L. Fritz of Carlisle, MA (husband Darrold Endres), Rebecca Clark of King of Prussia, PA (late husband Francis X. Clark) and Peggy Fritz Harris of Austin, TX (husband Phillip Harris). Daughter Linda Ann Fritz died shortly after birth. Nancy is survived by 8 grandchildren: Michael Veach, Nathaniel and Zachary Fritz-Kill, Emily, Theresa and Julia Fritz-Endres, Kevin Sean Clark and Trevor Harris.  She is predeceased by grandchildren Lisa Ann and Patrick James Clark. She is also survived by her long-time dear friend Betty Denison of Baltimore.

Nancy was a smart, determined, and principled force to be reckoned with. She was a big believer in not leaving a mess behind, whether it comes to our environment, politics, or her own personal life. She had a no-nonsense efficiency that meant for some dynamic interchanges with her five daughters. We will miss her wisdom and hope we have learned her lessons well.

Memorial gifts may be made to Chester Eastside Ministries, P.O. Box 36, Chester, PA 19016, where she was a long term and devoted volunteer. On-line access is ChesterEastside@chestereastside.org .  Donations are especially needed during this pandemic, which has resulted in food insecurity.

Arrangement provided by Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home.  15 E. 4th Street Media, PA 19063

www.haganfuneralhome.com