Virginia “Ginny” Theresa Fries died peacefully in her sleep in Oviedo, FL, on August 5 th , 2026, at the remarkable age of 97.

Ginny is survived by her brother, Michael Fries of Winter Springs, FL; her nieces and nephews, Ken, Mike, and Rick Hartwigsen; Joan Nevarez; Robert, Mark and Guy Chason; Steve Fries, Kathy Barton; Beth Harkins, Dawn Brinkman, and Joelle Scharlach. She was also deeply loved by her many great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Pansy Fries of Orlando, FL; her siblings, Mary Ryan of DeLand, FL, Irene Hartwigsen of Phoenix, MD, Joesph Fries of Ocala, FL, and Joan Chason of Orlando, FL.

Born on April 15, 1929, in Orlando, FL, Ginny was the daughter of Joseph and Pansy Fries. She graduated from St. James High School and began her career wrapping gifts in Rutland’s Department Store. She later joined George Stuart Office Supplies, where she worked in a secretarial role from the time she was 18 until the company closed in the 1980’s. She then continued her career with Orlando Utilities Commission, serving in Human Resources until her retirement.

Ginny was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and collaborated with local residents to create a quilt, displayed at the Orlando Public Library, honoring the US Bicentennial. An accomplished public speaker, she participated in Toastmasters and received numerous awards for her speaking abilities. A life-long learner, Ginny returned to school later in life to graduate from Valencia with an AA Degree and taking modeling classes in her 60’s.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Ginny was a life-long member of St. James Catholic Church in Orlando, serving in the choir and as a lector. Devoted to her family, she helped raise her younger siblings, lovingly cared for her parents as they aged, and treated her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children. Ginny will be remembered for her warm smile, kind heart, generous spirit, signature red lipstick, and sense of humor. She often had positive thoughts to share or clever joke for those who listened close enough to catch it.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at St. James Catholic Cathedral in Orlando. The Rosary will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by Mass at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery at 3:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate the wonderful life of Ginny Fries. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to St. James Cathedral in Orlando.