It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kathleen "Kay" (Downey) Fritz , Kay died peacefully at her home in Whitman surrounded by her loving family on November 11, 2024. Born on September 5, 1941 in Brighton, MA. She was the daughter of the late Michael and Catherine (Burke) Downey of Ireland.

Kay graduated High School from Mount Saint Joseph Academy in Brighton before her family moved to Newton and she resumed her education at the Bryant and Stratton School graduating in 1963 mere months before marrying her high school sweetheart and soulmate .

For 61 years, Kay was the devoted wife of the late Laurence E. Fritz and with a broken heart passed away just 18 days after her beloved Larry.

Kay was a loyal friend and helped to establish what was affectionately known as "club", a monthly meeting with her 2 sisters and many childhood friends they had known since their days summering at their second home in Brant Rock. "Club" continued to meet monthly for more than 40 years only allowing their husbands the privilege of honorary membership twice a year for the summer outing and the Christmas holiday party. She also spent many years as a hospital volunteer with the friends of South Shore Hospital.

Kay's pride and joy were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren spending every minute she could enjoying family. A homemaker, Kay always made sure to be home for her children growing up in Abington. She supported all of our hobbies and sporting events and was a second "mom" to many of our friends as she consistently welcomed them into our home. As a grandmother she devoted her time and shared her wisdom with all 7. In 2023 she welcomed and cherished her role as a great grandmother "G.G." to her great granddaughter and great grandson. Kay had the most stunning blue eyes that literally twinkled when around her family.

In addition to her late husband Larry, Kay leaves 3 children, Paticica (Fritz) Pladsen and her husband John of Plymouth, Edward Fritz and his wife Mary of Grafton and Judith (Fritz) Ryan and her husband Mark of Whitman. Sister to the late Maureen Mannion and her late husband Dermot of West Roxbury, Jim Downey and his wife Ginny of Norwood, the late Ann Williams and her late husband Walter of Dedham and the late Michael Downey and his wife Anne of Dedham. Cherished by her 7 grandchildren Matthew, Nicholas, Katie, Jonny, Victoria, MaryKate and Evan, Her 2 great grandchildren Tessa and Griffin, her adoring and devoted grand dog Norman as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral from Quealy & Sons Funeral home 116 Adams Street, Abington, on Saturday November 16 at 9:30 AM. Followed by a Funeral Mass at Saint Bridgets Church, Abington at 10:30 AM Relatives and Friends are kindly invited to Visiting Hours on Friday, November 15, from 4PM to 7PM. Kay & Larry will be buried together during a private service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kay's name can be made to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St Jude Place, Memphis,TN 38105