Obituary of Diane W. Fretz

Diane Weeks Fretz June 27, 1939 - July 8, 2020 On July 8, 2020, Diane Weeks Fretz peacefully passed away from heart related complications. Born in Pennsville on June 27, 1939 to Harold J. Weeks and Virginia Hall, she was a life-long resident. During her early years, she played with dolls and liked to "dress up". However, after moving to Golf Manor near the Sakima Golf Course, where mostly boys lived, she traded in her dresses for jeans and started playing sports. In a short time, she developed a love and exceled at athletics. Her other passion was biology. Searching the yard and crawling around the flowerbeds, she and her Mom would often hunt for insects and bugs for school projects. I am told her Mom was quite adept at catching the critters. At 14 years old, Diane began working half-days at Riverview Beach Park where her job was to collect money and operate the turnstile for the Wildcat Roller Coaster. The Park always held a special place in her heart and is where she met and fostered many life-long friendships. Attending Penns Grove High School, Diane flourished in basketball and softball where she lettered three and two times in basketball and softball respectively. During her senior basketball campaign, she was named Captain, led the team in scoring, and highlighted a 13-13 performance from the foul line. Diane graduated in 1957 and three years later married her high school sweetheart, James David Fretz, on November 17, 1960. James and Diane were blessed with two boys, Dennis and Darrin. In April 1978, Diane took hardship with grace when her husband suddenly passed. While the following years were difficult, she raised her sons as a single mother - always putting family first. Later in life, Diane served the Church of Our Merciful Savior as Treasurer and Alter Guild Member. Her free time was often spent reading; socializing; drinking coffee with friends, or cheering on the Phillies; Flyers; Cowboys; and "Tom Brady" for some unknown reason. Diane's work career spanned 20 years driving school buses for Wyshinski's Bus Service. Mom was beloved. Throughout her life, she provided wisdom, support, and guidance beyond approach. While quiet and working behind the scenes, she provided a helpful hand and shined as a bright light in the lives of many. She will be sorely missed and thought about everyday where her sense of humor and kindness will carry on in the hearts of all she touched. She is survived by: her sons, Dennis Fretz and Darrin Fretz; daughter-in-law, Natalie Fretz; grandchildren, Lauren Fretz, Caitlin Fretz, Alexis Fretz and Brady Fretz; her nieces, Tricia Hill and Bonnie Fretz McKee; and sister-in-law, Sheila Hunter Fretz. A Graveside Service will be held 11:00 AM on July 15th at Eglington Cemetery in Clarksboro, New Jersey, where she will be laid to rest. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a future date. Messages and memories may be left for the family on the website www.laughreyfuneralhome.com