Paulette Ann Fritz

Paulette Ann Fritz, a beacon of love and wisdom, left this world on a note of grace and accomplishment on September 14, 2025. Born in the warm embrace of Greenville, South Carolina, on June 27, 1949, Paulette's journey was one marked by curiosity, determination, and the pursuit of knowledge. She was a woman whose spirit was as vibrant as the stained glass art she so passionately created, a testament to the colorful legacy she leaves behind.
As a young woman, Paulette's adventurous soul led her from the familiarity of Bladensburg, Maryland, to the sun-kissed horizons of California. It was there that she met the love of her life, Jim Fritz, at work. Their connection was undeniable, a spark that quickly kindled into a flame, and after a year of courtship, they married. Together, they navigated the waters of life, celebrating over thirty joyous years of marriage, until Jim's passing in 2003.
Paulette's role as a homemaker was a chapter of devotion and unwavering commitment. She and Jim were blessed with a son, Scott, the center of their universe. Paulette's nurturing heart and intelligent mind guided Scott as he grew, instilling in him the values of love, respect, and the importance of family. Her brother, Larry Gallegos, and her sister, Loretta Parrish, along with their respective spouses Claudia and Mel, have been the pillars of support in her life's story, a story that continues to inspire even in her absence.
Education was a beacon that illuminated Paulette's path. Her thirst for knowledge was unquenchable. Returning to academia after marriage, she earned her Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree in Research Psychology from Cal State Long Beach. Her intellectual pursuits were a reflection of her belief in the power of growth and self-improvement.
Transitioning from homemaker to the professional world, Paulette embraced her role as a Paralegal with the same fervor and attention to detail that she applied to every aspect of her life. Her work was not just a job but a means to contribute, to make a difference, and to continue learning.
Paulette's interests were a mirror to her multifaceted personality. Her artwork was not just a hobby but a bridge to her soul, revealing her intricate creativity and eye for beauty. The pride she took in maintaining her home was evident in every fixed hinge and polished surface. She was the embodiment of the adage, "If you want something done right, do it yourself." Her independence was as much a part of her as her signature spunk and spirit.
A woman of faith, Paulette found solace and strength in her weekly bible study, her spirit fortified by the words and wisdom she found within those sacred pages. She lived her faith through her actions, her loving nature, and her unwavering loyalty to those she held dear.
The words that best describe Paulette Ann Fritz are loving, intelligent, and thoughtful. She approached life with a positive outlook, her demeanor always respectful even when asserting her well-considered opinions. Her legacy is one of inspiration, a call to embrace life with all its challenges and to find joy in the pursuit of one's passions.
Today, as we reflect on Paulette's life, let us carry forward her indomitable spirit, her love for family, and her commitment to personal growth. Let her life be a reminder that it is never too late to pursue your dreams, to speak your truth with kindness, and to leave the world a little brighter than you found it. Paulette Ann Fritz, a shining example of a life well-lived, will be profoundly missed, yet her light will continue to guide us from above.
Paulette will be laid to rest with her husband on Wednesday, September 24 at 10:00 am at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange, California. A Celebration Of Life service will be held at a later date.