In Loving Memory: Sr. Rita Marie Fritzen, OSF
With deep sorrow, we bid farewell to Sr. Rita Marie Fritzen, OSF, of Syracuse, New York, whose vibrant spirit enriched the lives of many. Recently elected as general minister of the Sisters of St. Francis Neumann Community, Sr. Rita was called home to God on October 7, 2025, at the age of 69. Her passing was sudden and unexpected, a great shock to her community and to all who knew her.
The Franciscan Federation holds her memory in prayer, asking for the repose of her soul and lifting up heartfelt support for the Sisters of St. Francis Neumann Community in this time of great loss. Sr. Ann Bremmer has graciously assumed Sr. Rita’s ministerial duties.
We also extend our prayers to Sr. Rita’s family, who are arriving from New Jersey, and to all whose lives were touched by her presence. Sr. Rita was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Mary Ann Fritzen, and siblings Robert and Mary Patricia. She is survived by Edward (Michele), Thomas (Colleen), James, Ann Marie (John), and Jean.
Funeral Services Information
Saturday, October 11
Immaculate Conception Church 400 Salt Springs Rd, Fayetteville, NY 13066
- Prayer by Bishop Douglas Lucia: 8:45 AM
- Public Viewing: 9:00–11:00 AM
- Funeral Mass: 11:00 AM
- Livestream begins at 10:55 AM: https://icfayetteville.org/funerals/
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities
Congregational Development Office
225 Greenfield Pkwy., Suite 208
Liverpool, NY 13088
Prayer from the Common for the Dead
Franciscan Morning and Evening Praise
The souls of the just are in your hands, and so we pray: Merciful God, hear us.
For Sr. Rita Marie, that she might know fullness of life with God whom she has faithfully served: Merciful God, hear us.
For all who mourn the death of Sr. Rita Marie, that they may be comforted by their faith and
their hope of eternal life: Merciful God, hear us.
For all those whose lives have been touched by Sr. Rita Marie, that they may experience the
blessing of the communion of saints: Merciful God, hear us.
O God, may our faith in the resurrection of Jesus comfort us as we mourn the death of Sr. Rita Marie. May this passage be a reminder to us of our own mortality and a source of hope for us as we look forward to the day when we will be united with you and all your holy ones in the joy of eternal life.
We ask this through the same Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.