Sara Fritsch

Sara Fritsch, 77, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 1:22 pm, August 15, 2014.  Sara passed away from this earth peacefully after a brief illness at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine.  She transitioned out of this world while being held and loved by her son Daniel, and daughter, Betsy.  She was reunited with many loved ones and friends in heaven.

Sara was born in Akron, Ohio to Elton (Tony) and Violette M. Ports.  Sara was a twin, and is survived by her twin Ann Ports Hempy of Chattanooga, TN.  Sara was preceded in death by her parents, and by her older sister Frances Ports Kelly. 

Sara was preceded in death by her high school sweetheart and beloved husband, James P. Fritsch (The Legend”).  She left this earth exactly 12 years and two days after Jim.  She was also preceded in death by her beloved dog, Hannah banana, who was a comfort and companion to her throughout several surgery recoveries. 

Sara was voted “most witty” and “most likely to succeed” in high school!  She was the homecoming queen.  Sara graduated from the Akron General Hospital School of nursing in 1958.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Summa cum laude, Valedictorian, from the University of Pittsburgh in 1961. 

Sara worked in numerous roles as a nurse throughout her life.  She most loved working in the ER as she loved the “fast pace!”  Early in her career, she and her husband lived in Duluth, MN, where she became the Head Nurse of the Medical/Geriatric Unit.  She also went on to teach nursing at West Virginia University and Aultman Hospital in Canton, OH.  She worked in the ICU, as a public health nurse, and as a medical auditor. 

Sara loved quilting, playing the piano, and absolutely loved to throw parties and entertain.  Sara and her husband spent many years restoring a historic home in Massillon, Ohio.  She loved to decorate and had a wonderful eye for making things look gorgeous. She loved to travel.  She loved to dance to the Pet Shop Boys.  She loved her children and grandchildren.  She loved attending horse shows with her children and would often bring a gourmet picnic.  She always said she wanted to be a “garnish chef.”  Being home with her family, cooking, and making others feel welcome were her greatest pleasures.

Sara became a Christian in her 40s and did numerous bible studies.  She had a closet full of books on the bible, biblical history, and biblical prophecy.  She loved those studies, and she loved Christ with every part of her being.  Although she faced many, many health issues, she remained positive, strong, thankful, and always counted her blessings.  She fully relied on God and her family to get her through difficult times.

Sara is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Betsy and Momen Abdullayof of Cape Elizabeth, Maine; son and daughter-in-law Daniel S. and Elizabeth Fritsch of CharlesTown, WV; sister, Ann Ports Hempy, of Chattanooga, TN; grandsons James and Jacob Fritsch of CharlesTown, WV; grandson Moby James Abdullayof of Cape Elizabeth, Maine; nephews Scott and Paul Cope, and niece, Amy Snowden, all of Florida; and nephews Brian and David, of South Carolina and Tennessee respectively.

A memorial service for Sara will be held in Maine on Sunday, August 31 at noon at the home of her daughter Betsy Abdullayof; 989 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth, Maine.  A memorial service will also be held on Saturday, September 27 at 11:00 at Rivertree Christian Church located at 7373 Portage Street, NW, Massillon, Ohio.  A luncheon will be served after the service at the church.  Longtime family friend, the Reverend Clifford A. Price will officiate.  Contributions are suggested to:  The Adoption Network of Cleveland, 4614 Prospect Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44103; Telephone: (216) 325-1000; or to The Arthritis Foundation of Cleveland, 4630 Richmond Road, Ste. 240 
Cleveland, OH 44128
Phone: (216) 831-7000
Toll-Free:1-800-245-2275

Isaiah 40:28-31

Do you not know? Have you not heard? 
 The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
 They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.