Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Rita Fritzen Obituary
October 7, 2025. Sister Rita was born in Orange N.J. and was a Sister of St. Francis for 40 years.
Sister's ministry of service to the people of God began in the field of Education. She not only loved her work, but excelled as both a teacher and administrator. She served as Admissions Consultant for St. Bonaventure University, Associate Director of Catechesis for the Archdiocese of Newark N.J. and Principal at All Saints Catholic Academy in Bayonne, N.J. In 2021, she was elected as a General Councilor to the Leadership Team of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. In July of 2025, Sister was elected as General Minister of the Congregation.
Sister is pre-deceased by her parents, Edward L. and Mary Ann (Finley) Fritzen, one brother, Robert, and a sister, Mary Patricia. Surviving are her brothers Edward (Michele)Fritzen, Thomas (Colleen) Fritzen, and James Fritzen; her sisters, Ann Marie (John) Tetar and Jean Fritzen, several nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews, along with the Sisters of St. Francis.
Visitation will be from 9:00 – 11:00 A.M. Saturday October 11, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Church, 400 Salt Springs Rd., Fayetteville, NY followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. (The Mass will be livestreamed and may be found on the Immaculate Conception Church website at www.icfayetteville.org).
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, Congregational Development Office, 225 Greenfield Pkwy., Suite 208, Liverpool, NY, 13088.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rita Fritzen
Sponsored by The Family.
Janine C Heizler
October 24, 2025
Sr. Rita was a dedicated principal and a friend to all the children at St. Rose of Lima Academy in E. Hanover, NJ. This is when I first had the pleasure of knowing such a wonderful person as she. My boys both attended St. Rose and the families that attended were blessed with a loving community of educators. The children prospered by the excellent education, both religious and academic, that the school offered. Sr. Rita was not only a dedicated and proud administrator, but she was a very kind and caring individual. She was a true blessing for many and the children loved her. She will never be forgotten...
Sister Ana T. Balbarino, RSM
October 13, 2025
I am with all with sorrow on the passing away of Rita. My prayers and condolences to the family members and relatives and the whole Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. May she rest in peace!
Eugene Tozzi
October 10, 2025
Sr. Rita was an energetic and insightful leader. I served alongside her as a fellow Associate Director of the Catechetical Office of the Archdiocese of Newark. She was a valuable confidant and co-worker. Although we had been out of touch lately I am not surprised to discover that she was called to congregational leadership. My deep condolences to her family and to all the Sisters of St. Francis who have suffered a double loss both of a sister and friend and of a vibrant leader who had so recently begin a key ministry for the community. Sr. Rita and all of you will be in my prayers. Eugene V. Tozzi, PhD. Retired Associate Director for Family and Parish Catechesis, Archdiocese of Newark, NJ.
Debora Murray
October 10, 2025
I came to know Sister Rita through a collaborative leadership program. My heart is with her family and her community of Sisters as we say farewell. May we take comfort in loving memories, and in our faith that we shall meet again.
Ty Barnes Oladipo, Mercy Associate
October 9, 2025
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Sister Rita Marie. I am holding all who loved her in prayer. May her spirit rest in God´s eternal peace.
Sr. Katie Eiffe, CSJ
October 9, 2025
Dear Sisters,
I am so sorry for your loss! My love and prayers are with you.
May Sister Rita Marie rest in peace and rise in glory!
Irmã Selma Maria dos Santos - São Paulo- Brasil
October 9, 2025
Meus sentimentos e orações pelo descanso eterno de Irmã Rita Marie, pelo conforto da família e da Congregação. Descanse em paz, Irmã Rita!
Sr. Rose Marie Jasinski, CBS
October 8, 2025
So sorry for your sudden loss. Please know my prayers and condolence are with you all. May you know God's healing and loving presence.
SisterJanice Campbell, OSF
October 8, 2025
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Sister Rita Marie and all of her family as well as all of the Sisters of Saint Francis of the Neumann Bachman Community. May God grant all a sense of peace at this most unexpected time of sister`s death.
Sister Charmaine Krohe
October 8, 2025
The School Sisters of Notre Dame of the Atlantic-Midwest Province send deepest sympathy to the Sisters of St. Francis and the family of Sister Rita. We hope you find strength and support in our prayers for you.
Sister Charmaine Krohe, SSND
Provincial Leader
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Rita Fritzen's name
Memorial Events
for Rita Fritzen
How to support Rita's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Rita Fritzen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored