Rose Marie Fries

Rose Marie Fries, beloved wife of William Fries, mother of Pat Campau (Kevin-spouse), William Fries Jr, Richard Fries (Julie-spouse), Maureen Yueh and Judy Dropiewski (Larry-spouse), of Tucson Arizona, passed away on September 26, 2024, leaving a void her family cannot fill. Her family would like to share a bit of her history and contributions.

Rose was born in Erie Pennsylvania on August 16, 1936, to Anthony and Julia Sarnowski. Her 70-year marriage began on August 21,1954 when exchanging vows with William Fries. Bill and Rose had 5 children,13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. They made homes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan and finally retired in Arizona. They made lifelong friends in their communities and were active members in the local Catholic Community. Through many Bridge-playing groups they were able to meet community, develop friendships, while enhancing their card-playing savvy. Rose and Bill embraced their adventurous spirits traveling extensively around the country and abroad.

Rose enjoyed life with family time, reading, gardening, sewing, and watching sports. She developed remarkable culinary skills, while raising a large family, creating delicious meals for her family with affection. Throughout her later life Rose crafted numerous beautiful quilts, dispersed to loved ones across the county. These works of Art are now a valued legacy. Rose taught many of these skills to family. She enthusiastically and unconditionally shared love and care for people that came into her life. She was an amazingly loving, talented, and accomplished woman and will be greatly missed.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Frank Sarnowski, sister Beatrice Phillips, sister Kathleen Lee, brother Anthony Sarnowski Jr. and is survived by her loving husband William, brother Robert Sarnowski, sister Julie Phillips, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. They will never forget the love she brought to their lives.

Thank you to the staff of Aspen Care Homes for their excellent care, concern, and compassion during the senior years of her life. They became part of our family.

A mass where Rose will be honored is Friday, November 8, 2024, at the Saint Thomas More Catholic Newman Center beginning at 5:15 followed by a Memorial Service.

Memorials in Rose’s name may be made to Interfaith Community Services, 282 W Ina Rd, Tucson, AZ or a charity of your choice.