Susanna Fall Fondriest, of New Harbor, known by all as Sue, passed to her greater reward on Oct. 15 at Cove’s Edge Nursing Facility in Damariscotta.
Sue was born in Indianapolis, Ind. on Feb. 17, 1934. Her parents, Edna Sumner Fall and George Brenton Fall, were lifelong residents of Indiana. Father George was an attorney and owned a number of farms in Indiana operated by others. Sue was graduated from Shortridge High School in Indianapolis and later attended Purdue University where she met her husband-to-be, F. Frederick (Fred) Fondriest, of Dennison, Ohio who was an engineering student. Sue and Fred were married on Oct. 4, 1954, while Fred was on leave from the Armed Services.
Sue and Fred began their married lives in Columbus, Ohio, where Fred worked as a research engineer. They were soon blessed with three children, keeping Sue busy with household duties. As the children grew and life became more settled, both Sue and Fred returned to school; Sue while the children were away at school and Fred at night. Sue attained her degree in Education from The Ohio State University while Fred received a law degree from Capital University. In their new careers, they moved to Lake Forest, Ill., where they resided for 25 years. With their children old enough to be reasonably independent, Sue became a full time teacher until she retired in 1990. During and after her working years, Sue was active in many community activities such as a member of the Lecture Core of the Chicago Lyric Opera, a docent in the Open Lands Association, and volunteer teacher for the “I Have a Dream” program in North Chicago, Ill.
After Fred retired, they split their time between Sarasota, Fla. and New Harbor, where they built homes large enough to handle their visiting families, who never failed to share the beautiful locations. In Florida, Sue pursued her passionate love of tennis at the Oaks Club and in Maine, her love of gardening in addition to all the tennis she had time for. She also found time to devote her energies to community programs. She was a member of the Miles Memorial Hospital League; a volunteer for “Making Strides Against Cancer,” and a volunteer for Montpelier.
During her last few years of work and after retirement, Sue was able to accompany Fred on his many European business trips. When both were retired and the children had their own families, Sue and Fred hosted family reunions in England, Italy and France.
Sue is survived by sister, Lucinda O’Donnell of East Lansing, Mich.; husband, Fred, still residing in both Florida and Maine; son, Dr. James Fondriest of Lake Forest, Ill, with wife Dr. Diane; daughter, Julia Ann Fondriest of Big Pine Key, Fla.; son, Frederick Fall Fondriest of Los Gatos, Cal.; and five grandchildren, Lauren and Douglas of Lake Forest, Ill. and Sara, Jackson and Eric of Los Gatos, Cal.
A memorial service will be planned for sometime in the near future. An announcement will be made at that time. Arrangements are under the direction of the Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
