The Rev. Janice Fritz

The Rev. Janice L. Fritz, 63, of Boiling Springs, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2015 in the Carlisle Regional Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.

Born June 25, 1951 in Bethlehem, PA, she was the daughter of the late Attorney Samuel C. and Jeanette M. McCandless Vary.

The Rev. Janice Fritz was a “cradle” Episcopalian and a young member of The Nativity Cathedral, Bethlehem. She grew up attending St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Harrisburg, from 1957 until her graduation from Central Dauphin High School. At St. Andrew’s she was a member of the children’s choir and eventually taught Sunday school.

Janice was a lay member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Shippensburg since 1978, and was ordained a vocational deacon in 2004. Deacon Fritz served at St. Andrew’s, Shippensburg until her retirement from the diaconate in September, 2013.

In addition to her parish work, Deacon Fritz served the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania in several capacities; she was an instructor for “Safeguarding God’s Children” and “Safeguarding God’s People,” a member of the Operation Understanding Grant Committee, and performed pastoral duties at the Episcopal Home and Episcopal Square, Shippensburg. She served as the Secretary of the Diocese from 2003 to 2008, and Interim Chairman of the Board of Directors for Episcopal Square from 2003 to 2006. She was also a trained Stephen Leader and hospice volunteer.

Janice graduated from Millersville University with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education and from Shippensburg University with a M.S. degree in Human Relations/Counseling. In 1973, she began a career with the Federal Government as a civilian employee at the Navy Ships Parts Control Center, Mechanicsburg. Her career in Human Resource Management led her to Letterkenny Army Depot, Chambersburg, the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, and the Defense Distribution Center.

Janice deeply loved her family and was a devoted wife. She and her husband enjoyed jogging, listening to music, traveling and dining out. She loved animals, was an avid reader, enjoyed bargain shopping and spending quiet time with her mother, sister and friends.

Janice was dearly loved by those she served and all who knew her. She had a beautiful smile, an infectious laugh, and will be sorely missed.

Surviving is her loving husband of 19 years, John D. Fritz Esq., a sister, Jean Elizabeth Vary, Harrisburg, PA, a stepdaughter, Kristin Johnson, Hagerstown, MD, a sister-in-law, Patricia L. Fritz, Wakefield RI, five brothers-in-law, Paul J. Fritz, Alpharetta, GA, Robert M. Fritz, Springfield, MA, Daniel J. Fritz, East Longmeadow, MA, Charles Johnson, and Donald Johnson, both of Fayetteville, PA, seven nieces and nephews, 10 cousins, and her beloved cats, Pepper, Socks, and Lucy and Lily whom she raised from one week old.




In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Kenneth E. Johnson, who died in 1986, and an infant brother, David Richard Vary.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 206 East Burd Street, Shippensburg, PA 17257. The Rt. Rev. Robert R. Gepert, Provisional Bishop, will be the Celebrant. The Rev. Barbara A. Hutchinson, Rector, The Rev. Betsy S. Ivey, Curate, of St. Andrew’s Shippensburg, will officiate. The Rev. Fred G. Stevenson, a member of the family, will also officiate. The Rev. William F. Murphy, a friend of the family, will preach. Burial will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Lower Paxton Township, Harrisburg. A visitation will be held Friday, from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. in the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home Inc., 112 West King Street, Shippensburg, PA, 17257.

The family wishes to sincerely thank the following medical personnel for their kind, compassionate and professional care: Dr. Mary Simmonds and the Oncology Nursing Staff from Andrews & Patel, Associates, Harrisburg; and the physicians and nursing staff on the third floor from the Carlisle Regional Medical Center.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Greener Pastures Animal Rescue C/O Samantha Frey, P.O. Box 278 Marion, PA 17235.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.fogelsanger-brickerfuneralhome.com.