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Neva Fritsche Obituary - Hill Funeral Home

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The family will welcome visitors at the Hill Funeral Home at 220 S. State St. In Westerville on Friday, August 26 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm with the funeral to follow there on Saturday the 27th at 2:00 pm, burial at Blendon Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Fritsche Family Fund C/O The Columbus Foundation, 1234 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205.
Nevalyn,
I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. No matter what the age, it is always a sad shock when your parent is gone. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Lynn

Lynn Fleak (Lembke)

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Obituary for Neva Fritsche

Neva Fritsche 1919-2016

Neva Fritsche

10/17/1919 - 08/20/2016

Neva Lilly Fritsche peacefully departed this life at her home in Westerville, Ohio on August 20, 2016 at the age of 96, surrounded by family, friends and her devoted caregivers (thanks forever to Sue, Danielle, Morgan, Helen, Jack and many others). Her husband and lifetime "dance partner," Ernest G. Fritsche, preceded her in death three years ago, each exactly two months prior to their 97th birthdays. Both were iconic supporters of the arts and many other charities throughout their lifetimes. Neva was born to Carl and Mae Lilly in Lonoke, Arkansas, where she completed her elementary and secondary education prior to receiving her bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance in 1939 from the University of Arkansas. Following training in secretarial skills at a local business college, she moved to Washington D.C. to take a job as an Executive Administrator with the federal Department of Scientific Research and Development. During her post there in 1941, she met her future husband serving as a USO hostess at a local military dance, Lieutenant Ernest G. Fritsche, who was stationed there at Ft. Belvoir. Four years later, they were married and shared the next 68 years of their lives raising their three kids, developing a real estate business, supporting a plethora of charities, traveling around the world and always, enjoying the ballroom dance floor together. Neva's contributions to the betterment of humanity are many. A quintessential actress and musician, she performed in musical theater and cabaret stages locally and internationally, holding leading stage roles, conducting choirs, and singing jazz favorites at local haunts such as Bellago and The Top Restaurant even into her 90's. Active in so many arts groups, not only as a contributor but also as an executive leader, Neva supported the National Federation of Music Clubs, Columbus and Westerville Symphonies, Otterbein Theater and countless other organizations, even personally helping launch the careers of numerous up-and-coming artists. A true Renaissance lady, she was awarded the "Hostess of the Year" by the Columbus Citizen Journal in 1964 while she was also dedicating her time to her church, the YMCA, her Delta Gamma sorority (for which she holds the title of their "Longest Living Member in the World"), and most importantly, to her family and friends who are humbled to have been in the presence of this most saintly lady, one who always gave back so much more. Neva is survived by her three children, Nevalyn Fritsche Nevil, Roberta Fritsche Pavlov (Paul), Bill Fritsche, grandchildren Nannette Klecher (Chris), Nicole Gabler, Ashly Garris (Bill), Tyler Fritsche (Sara), Alexis Pavlov and Niklaus Pavlov, sister Carlyn Canham, and many loving nieces, nephews and great grandchildren. The family will welcome visitors at the Hill Funeral Home at 220 S. State St. In Westerville on Friday, August 26 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm with the funeral to follow there on Saturday the 27th at 2:00 pm, burial at Blendon Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Fritsche Family Fund C/O The Columbus Foundation, 1234 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205.