Kathleen Joan Fry, 78, passed away on January 29, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida. Born on February 10, 1947, in Bellaire, Ohio, Kathleen lived a life defined by love, compassion, strength, and deep devotion to her family.
Kathleen met Gary, the love of her life, in high school. She was captain of the cheerleading squad at St. John's Catholic High School, and Gary lettered in multiple sports at Bellaire High School. They married in 1967 and grew more in love each and every day. They built a wonderful life together, had three children, and were enjoying each and every day of the retirement they had earned together. Theirs was a love like few others ever get to experience. They weren't just married - they were partners and the best of friends.
A proud graduate of The Ohio State University, Kathleen earned her bachelor's degree in nursing in 1972 as an honors student. Her commitment to education and professional excellence continued as she earned a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Florida in 1989. Achieving this milestone while working full-time, raising three children with Gary, and caring for the family pet was a testament to her perseverance and drive. She later became certified and worked as a Legal Nurse Consultant.
Kathleen built an exceptional career in nursing and healthcare leadership. Over the years, she managed several hospital units including Women's Services and Cardiac care. Her leadership was marked by an unwavering dedication to patient care and a profound understanding of clinical practice. Later in her career, she transitioned into legal nurse consulting where she used her expertise to advocate for quality care at the intersection of medicine and law.
Her professional accomplishments were matched only by her compassion for others. As the mother of Doug Fry, a young man with Down Syndrome, Kathleen became a beacon of hope for other families facing similar circumstances. She personally reached out to parents of newborns diagnosed with Down Syndrome - offering encouragement drawn from her own journey and emphasizing the joy that came with raising Doug.
Family was at the heart of everything Kathleen did. She is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, Gary Fry; daughters Jennifer Fry and Jill Fry; son Doug Fry; and Zoe, her cherished Lhasa Apso who brought her constant companionship and comfort. She was predeceased by Barbara Cicciarella, her beloved aunt who raised her.
Kathleen embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. She loved traveling - particularly to Ireland - and found great pleasure in dining out and discovering new places. A loyal fan of The Ohio State football team, she rarely missed a game and recently traveled with Gary to Dallas to cheer on the Buckeyes at the Cotton Bowl. At home, she enjoyed watching NCIS with Zoe by her side. She delighted in watching bunny rabbits and deer in the backyard, which never failed to bring a smile to her face.
Throughout every phase of life, Kathleen met challenges head on with determination and grace. Her faith remained a guiding light through it all. Kathleen's legacy endures through the many lives she touched. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, Kathleen's family has requested that donations be made to the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) (ndss.org/donations).
Kathleen met Gary, the love of her life, in high school. She was captain of the cheerleading squad at St. John's Catholic High School, and Gary lettered in multiple sports at Bellaire High School. They married in 1967 and grew more in love each and every day. They built a wonderful life together, had three children, and were enjoying each and every day of the retirement they had earned together. Theirs was a love like few others ever get to experience. They weren't just married - they were partners and the best of friends.
A proud graduate of The Ohio State University, Kathleen earned her bachelor's degree in nursing in 1972 as an honors student. Her commitment to education and professional excellence continued as she earned a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Florida in 1989. Achieving this milestone while working full-time, raising three children with Gary, and caring for the family pet was a testament to her perseverance and drive. She later became certified and worked as a Legal Nurse Consultant.
Kathleen built an exceptional career in nursing and healthcare leadership. Over the years, she managed several hospital units including Women's Services and Cardiac care. Her leadership was marked by an unwavering dedication to patient care and a profound understanding of clinical practice. Later in her career, she transitioned into legal nurse consulting where she used her expertise to advocate for quality care at the intersection of medicine and law.
Her professional accomplishments were matched only by her compassion for others. As the mother of Doug Fry, a young man with Down Syndrome, Kathleen became a beacon of hope for other families facing similar circumstances. She personally reached out to parents of newborns diagnosed with Down Syndrome - offering encouragement drawn from her own journey and emphasizing the joy that came with raising Doug.
Family was at the heart of everything Kathleen did. She is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, Gary Fry; daughters Jennifer Fry and Jill Fry; son Doug Fry; and Zoe, her cherished Lhasa Apso who brought her constant companionship and comfort. She was predeceased by Barbara Cicciarella, her beloved aunt who raised her.
Kathleen embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. She loved traveling - particularly to Ireland - and found great pleasure in dining out and discovering new places. A loyal fan of The Ohio State football team, she rarely missed a game and recently traveled with Gary to Dallas to cheer on the Buckeyes at the Cotton Bowl. At home, she enjoyed watching NCIS with Zoe by her side. She delighted in watching bunny rabbits and deer in the backyard, which never failed to bring a smile to her face.
Throughout every phase of life, Kathleen met challenges head on with determination and grace. Her faith remained a guiding light through it all. Kathleen's legacy endures through the many lives she touched. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, Kathleen's family has requested that donations be made to the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) (ndss.org/donations).
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kathleen Joan Fry, please visit our flower store.
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