She was called “the true definition of spunk. The woman with the mind of her own. The volunteer who would do anything that needed to be done.” APR’s Judy Fritz passed away June 20th after spending more than a decade giving of her time and love to our animals. During her tenure she worked every fundraiser, washed dishes, did laundry, walked dogs, set up flea market sales, fostered a long hair Calico and so much more.
As we say goodbye to this beautiful giving person we want you to read what her friends and APR associates thought of her. There is no better tribute than the words that come from those around you.
Karen Barry writes…
“Judy was such a wonderful woman! She was always offering her help. I did several events with Judy and I always enjoyed our time together.
Judy cared so much for the animals and for people. She was always upbeat and happy. I looked at Judy with such amazement. She was so strong and energetic. She didn’t act her age at all. I enjoyed doing the Starlight Concerts every year with Judy. She would clap her hands and sing to the music. Judy will be extremely missed by all who knew her. God Bless Judy.”
Diane Sorrentino writes…
“I had the distinct pleasure of volunteering alongside Judy on many occasions over the past 4+ years, and she was truly an Angel in disguise.
She loved all the animals as well as never having an unkind word to say about anyone. I will miss our ‘happy hours.’ Rest in peace my dear friend.”
Laura Rosa writes…
“Judy was a person that was rare and special to people and to animals. She volunteered with APR for many years and was as committed on day one as on her last day at the shelter. As one of her friends said at her funeral – she had spunk!
She attended many adoption events and was never shy about asking for donations for the animals. She would speak to potential adopters in the shelter and elsewhere. She had events at John Knox Village for the shelter to further awareness of spay and neuter programs, adoptions and animal care. In addition, she arranged with John Knox Village to celebrate her 75th birthday in a large room and guests (at least 100) were asked to bring animal food and toys for birthday gifts.
Judy never failed the people who worked at the shelter either. She jumped in and did laundry, dishes, swept the floor; never too proud to pick up a mop or broom to help the staff be prepared for clients. Many volunteers only want to do certain things – but Judy would do whatever it took to help the staff and animals. It was always so appreciated and made it easier for the staff to take care of animals and be prepared for adoptions.
I am sure the shelter will miss this very special lady as will I.”
Janet Breiden writes…
“Judy was such a wonderful person to everyone & everything! She was the most dependable volunteer at events. If she said she would go to an event, she would be there. She would do anything for the animals.
She was an advocate in her community for trying to get adoptions at Abandoned Pet Rescue. Judy also volunteered at the shelter washing/drying dishes or doing laundry.
She was always a big help with a smile on her face. I remember a couple of times when my fibromyalgia was acting up & Polly needed to go out, I would put her harness/leash on & Judy would appear from what she was doing and say, I’ll take her, I can see you are hurting today.
It didn’t matter if she was tired or not, she was always thinking of other people. Judy’s outgoing nature, her helpfulness, kindness, her love of animals & her smile will truly be missed.
Fly with the angels Judy, you have truly earned your wings!”
Cheryl Benca writes…
“I met Judy for the first time at an adoption event. She was all smiles and sunshine. Puppies were jumping back and forth on her lap and I don’t know who was enjoying it more. She let out an infectious laugh that had all of us smiling.
Later, when I looked over at her, the puppy was fast asleep in her lap. And Judy had dozed off too. I’m not sure who was snoring louder.
I saw that picture many times at APR and I knew I had been part of a special moment.
I know Judy is playing with puppies in heaven right now. And what a lucky bunch.”
Diane Ross writes…
“Judy was a generous soul who found joy in giving back to the community, including volunteering with her friends at APR. She volunteered on Saturdays at Pet Supermarket with me and I always looked forward to spending time with her.
She was an integral part of the Starlight Musicals team and we miss her. Judy could always be relied upon to be there once she committed to an event. We will all miss her smile and wonderful personality – rest in peace my friend!”
Joyce Archer writes…
“Judy was a friend of mine from day one. We would do adoption events together and this was the early years before we had much guidance. I knew she was special. We shared the same passion for the animals. Everything we did together was fun. She was a hoot!!!! She would have this crazy way of saying something or describing it and she would make me laugh so hard I’d pee a little and that would make us laugh more.
When we did the GLCC flea market, she would come early to help unpack and sell items to raise money for the shelter. By 10 she was at the shelter to get a dog and bring it back to show. She had this energy I couldn’t keep up with, pushing herself to get a little one adopted.
Once at Whole Foods she’s walking Chester, weighing in a lot more than she, he takes off but she would never let go. She hurt her tail bone then and decided Chihuahua’s might be a better idea to walk.
Twice we did adoptions at BSO where I used to work. She helped prepare the baskets and bring the dogs and stayed all day long. That made me look good to my department but she needed the praise for being by my side. After I retired I’d show up at the shelter midweek and she was there doing laundry and washing dishes. She needed a pat on the back but I neglected to show appreciation for all she did.
Can’t say enough about the ways I loved her. I’ll miss her. She’s one in a million.”
Bianca Robertson writes…
“I know Judy as a volunteer at APR and as a caretaker of a feral colony of cats in her community. Judy cared deeply and understood the benefits of TNR as a solution to pet over-population, not just providing food and water. I trapped the cats, spayed/neutered & vaccinated, and returned them.
Recently she joined efforts to change the policy of her community to officially adopt a TNR program. So, Judy had an impact no matter where she was, she made a difference, always leaving a place for the better and she will be missed.
Barb DeMott writes…
“I last spoke to Judy the Saturday before she went to the hospital. You see Judy was calling me to apologize for not being able to go to Pet Supermarket for pet adoptions. She hadn’t been feeling well and lost track of the weeks and forgot it was the 4th Saturday of the month when we go to Pet Supermarket. That was Judy never thinking of herself, always others and her commitments.
I told Judy it was covered and she needed to take care of herself so she could come back soon to help with adoptions. I had no idea that would be the last time I spoke to her.
Judy Fritz was always there to help at adoption events. She loved interacting with the animals and telling people how their donations helped the animals.
We attend a large adoption event each year at the War Memorial. Judy was always kept that day open to be able to help all day. She knew we needed help to setup early in the morning and no one was usually around at 5pm to tear down so she just planned to stay all day. She enjoyed walking around to the other rescues and vendors and always came back with information and suggestions for APR.
Judy was the only person that EVER got away with calling me Barbie. After 10 years I finally gave up and accepted it!
Judy, Judy, Judy – Barbie, Barbie, Barbie… we would banter back and forth.
I will miss hearing “Hey Barbie, it’s Judy call me. but I know we will see each other again and your loving spirit will live forever in my heart.”
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Thanks Judy for all you did for so many people and even more animals. And thanks for all you will do as you watch over everyone from wherever you may be.
