Leona M. Fritz, of St. Marys, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Elk Haven Nursing Home at the remarkable age of 103, having lived a long and full life.

She was born on May 27, 1922 in Emporium, PA, a daughter of the late George and Josephine Zwack Wortman.

On January 12, 1944, she married the late Richard B. “Dick” Fritz, who preceded her in death in 2005.

Leona was lifelong resident of the area and member of Sacred Heart Church, where she volunteered for many years with the social committee. She was a graduate of Central High School, class of 1940. She worked for Sears Robuck from 1976-1987. She loved playing cards and bingo, and also enjoyed a good game of dominoes. In her younger years, Leona and her husband traveled the United States on their Honda Goldwing, pulling a small pop up camper behind it so they could camp anyhwere, near or far. Together they also enjoyed square dancing. In a quiet moment, Leona could be found with her knitting needles, crafting items for family and friends. Firmly believing that chocolate was a daily requirement, Leona lived to 103, a milestone she happily credited to her love of chocolate.

Leona is survived by seven children; Judith Sterrett of Rosemont, MN, Mary Jo Fritz of Bloomington, MN, Virginia (Ted) McCarty of Buffalo, MN, Molly (Robert) Korthals of Forest Lake, MN, Annette (Michael) Walker of St. Marys, Nicholas (Marjorie) Fritz of Kersey, and Brian (Kim) Fritz of St. Marys; and by her twelve grandchildren; Andy, Lee, Christian, Anna, Troy, Christa, Aaron, Leanne, Stephen, Jennifer, Justin/Juniper, and Jake and by fifteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister; Irene “Dee Dee” Straub, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Leona was preceded in death by three brothers; Andrew, Harry, and Joseph Wortman, and by two sisters; Caroline Doran and Alice Wortman.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Leona M. Fritz will be celebrated on Monday, December 22, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Sacred Heart Church, 337 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 with Fr. Thomas Curry, OSB, as celebrant.

Burial will follow in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Monday, December 22, 2025 from 10:30 until 11:30 AM.