Annette Vanier Fritzenkotter

Annette Vanier Fritzenkotter
September 20, 1938 – January 30, 2026

Annette Vanier Fritzenkotter, a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and tireless servant to her community, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, at the age of 87, with her family by her side. She was born on September 20, 1938, in Kansas City, Missouri, and grew up in La Mesa, California, amid dirt roads, open land, and the quiet beauty of a simpler time.

Annette was the daughter of Kieran and Marjory Vanier. From her family she inherited a fierce work ethic and an equally fierce love of people. She attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton before going on to graduate from the University of San Diego, where she was a proud member of Delta Gamma Sorority. A devout Catholic, her faith was the quiet foundation of everything she did. It was during a summer visit home that fate intervened — a blind date to the Del Mar Fair led to a love story that would span 63 years of marriage to Joseph Fritzenkotter.

Together, Annette and Joe built a life rooted in family, faith, and adventure. As owner of Vanard Lithographers in San Diego, Annette brought the same dedication to her professional life that she gave to everything she touched. They explored the world together — Hawaii, Japan, China, Russia, South America, and across Europe — but it was the places off the beaten path, particularly the Holy Land, Africa, and Peru, that captured her heart most deeply. Their home became a living testament to a life fully and joyfully lived.

Yet it was her life of service that may best define Annette’s legacy. Her mother and father instilled in her a profound sense of altruism, and she spent more than 60 years channeling that spirit into volunteer work across San Diego. She served on boards and committees for organizations including the Social Service Auxiliary, the Scripps Mercy Auxiliary, the San Diego Museum of Art, the Children’s Home Society, St. Madeline Sophie Center, St. Vincent de Paul Ladies of Charity, California Ballet, the George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Association, the Zoological Society, and many more. She was a member of Las Patronas of the San Diego Mission de Alcála and a devoted patron of the arts, wildlife preservation, and historical heritage.

Awards and accolades, however, never captured the quiet, steady nature of her giving. Annette had a deep gift of faith; she responded to need naturally, without fanfare, lighting candles for the sick and simply being there for everyone who needed her.

Annette is survived by her beloved husband, Joseph; her son, Van; and her daughters, Jill and René. She is also survived by seven cherished grandchildren, and she takes with her the pride of knowing that all three of her children have followed in her footsteps as volunteers and community servants.

Annette Vanier Fritzenkotter lived with grace, purpose, and an open heart. She made every room brighter simply by entering it. She will be profoundly missed by all whose lives she touched — and that number is far greater than she ever knew. She will be in our hearts forever, and her hospitality and love will be unmatched.

Funeral Services
Rosary at 9:30 a.m. - Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m.
Friday, March 13, 2026
Santa Sophia Church

Interment to follow at Glen Abbey Memorial Park

In Lieu of Flowers Donations in Annette’s honor may be made to Father Joe’s Villages, a ministry she held close to her heart - https://my.neighbor.org/take-action/