It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Sheila Fretz. Our prayers and heartfelt condolences are with Merv and the rest of her family during this difficult time.

Sheila Fretz

February 25, 1941 – December 5, 2022

FRETZ- Sheila Anne (née Sauders) of Port Colborne passed away at the Welland County General Hospital on Monday, December 5, 2022 at the age of 81 years. Loving wife of Mervin Fretz of 62 years, dear mother of Glenn (Charlene), Cheryl (John) Grandilli, Tim (Tammi) and the late Shawn, cherished grandmother of Jennifer, Jason, Cassandra and Jonathan, Kyle and Sidney, Emily and Josh, Courtney and Tanisha, great grandmother of Malori, Liam and the late Andrew, sister of Jim Sauders and Jerry (George) Sauders. Sheila was predeceased by her parents Austin (Skip) Sauders and Mary Sauders, her sisters Betty Ebersole, Theresa (Ken) Suess and her sister-in-law Diane Sauders.

After graduating high school, Sheila spent her early years working at Stelco. From there, she continued her work at Sam Buffa Realtor as a secretary. The majority of her career was then dedicated to working in law offices, both of John Maloney and then Hagan and McDowell until her retirement. Sheila was a hard working individual, but her most important job title was mother. Her family meant everything to her and she was a devoted mother to her three children, and an even more devoted grandmother. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she was always there for both the small and big moments in their lives. As a lover of travel, Sheila created countless memories vacationing with her family. In her earlier years she was an avid baseball player and played for the Port Colborne Comets. Reading countless fiction novels, playing games of bingo, and making trips to the casino were just a few of her hobbies that she enjoyed throughout her life. As a woman of faith, Sheila was an active member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church. She dedicated her time to singing in the choir, organizing fundraising events, and helping with church administrative duties. Sheila was a woman of strength and determination. She overcame every obstacle that came her way, especially the obstacles over the last year as she bravely battled cancer and other health issues. Sheila was a very special woman who will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Her family will keep her in their hearts, where her memory will continue to live on.

The Fretz family will receive visitors at the DAVIDSON FUNERAL HOME, 135 Clarence Street, Port Colborne on Sunday, December 11, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Funeral service will be held on Monday, December 12, 2022 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 688 Elm Street, Port Colborne at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery. Memorial donations to the First Evangelical Lutheran Church would be greatly appreciated.