Mary Jean "Mj" Fritz

Mary Jean “MJ” Fritz, age 75, of Grand Rapids, passed away September 7, 2023.  She was born on December 10, 1947 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Philip G. and Elizabeth J. (Dugan) Fritz. Mary Jean was born with spastic cerebral palsy and was deaf, due to incomplete knowledge about the RH factor at the time she was born. She was raised in Grand Rapids by two incredible parents who wanted only the best for her.

When she was 2 years old, she learned to sit up; when she was 4 years old, she learned to walk. MJ was determined to live life to the fullest since she was a young girl. She began school at St. Regis School for the Deaf, but after only one year she had to stop because the school was unable to handle the dual handicap. But her education and her drive didn’t stop. Her dad thought she was the smartest of all 6 kids. Her parents taught her to read, and it was always amazing to see her sprawled out on the living room floor reading the newspaper. Knowing that education and life skills were important, MJ’s parents advocated for her. They were influential in starting the Lincoln School in Grand Rapids where MJ attended 1st grade through 12th grade. She then got vocational training at Lincoln Center which was part of the Lincoln School.

At the age of 26, MJ began working at various sheltered workshops in the Grand Rapids and Detroit suburbs, having moved to the Detroit area to be near her sisters after her mom died.  Mary Jean was strong-willed and independent, especially after her parents made the choice to move her to a group home at the age of 40. MJ thrived being with her friends at the group home and work. She was happy and caring. MJ enjoyed being outside in the sunshine, going on walks with her friends and family. She also loved her Catholic faith and receiving Holy Communion. MJ’s heart was full, she loved and was loved by everyone she met. One of her last greatest joys in life was family visiting her and bringing her a Frosty. MJ will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Mary Jean is survived by her siblings, Ceil (George) Ginger, Charles (Mary) Fritz, Phil Fritz, and Betsy (Peter) Kantz. She was also adored by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Peggy Plucinsky and her brother-in-law Steve Pluscinsky.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with a time of gathering beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Drive, Northville.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to The ARC Kent County , 2922 Fuller Ave. NE, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 or Angela Hospice , 14100 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 48154.

The ARC Kent County is a non-profit organization that works to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are valued. Mary Jean’s parents, Philip and Elizabeth Fritz, were among the founders of the Kent County ARC.