Mary Jane Fries, born on November 7, 1952, in East St. Louis, Illinois, was called to heaven by the Lord on December 19, 2024, in Winter Park, Florida.
Known for her remarkable accomplishments and diverse interests, Mary demonstrated an unsurpassed passion for life and living it to the fullest. After growing up in East St. Louis, Mary earned her pharmacy degree from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy before moving to Winter Park, Florida. In Florida, she continued her education by earning an MSM from the prestigious Roy E. Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College, while working full time as the Director of Pharmacy at Winter Park Memorial Hospital, where her leadership revolutionized pharmaceutical patient care. After retiring from hospital health care, Mary worked as an independent consultant and infusion clinic pharmacist, ultimately transitioning into community pharmacy, working for Walgreens. Throughout her career, her patients and colleagues routinely recognized her for her extensive expertise and dedicated customer service.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mary embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. She was a gifted water skier and loved being on or near the water. As an avid cyclist, Mary advocated for the local bike trail and was often seen riding her bike around town. She maintained a deep love for gardening, developing the most beautifully manicured and recognized yard in the neighborhood. A glass enthusiast and collector, Mary was mesmerized by the prisms, shapes, colors, and experience light could create. A doting mother and amazing Mimi, Mary selflessly supported and taught her daughters and grandchildren to share in pursuits that bring happiness and fulfillment, like baking cookies, exploring the arts, crafting, painting, and traveling.
Mary is survived by her loving family: daughters, Natalie Walker and Brittany Fries; mother, Alice Zagorski; siblings, Shirley Barthel, James Zagorski, and Vicki Genard; as well as many friends and loved ones who will cherish her memory.
Memorials may be made to Donate Life America or to National Audubon Society.
Mary’s vibrant fighting spirit and enduring loving legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She reminds those that knew her to reach for the stars, expect the moon, and accept what life brings.
A Celebration of Mary’s Life will take place at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., in Fairview Heights, Illinois, at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025, with a reception immediately following at the St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Center, Freeburg, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following organizations that Mary held dear.
