Elizabeth N. Frentzel
April 28, 1937 ~ May 3, 2022
Elizabeth Newman Frentzel, 85, of Leonia passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2022, surrounded by family. She was born on April 28, 1937, in Chicago, IL to John Francis and Julia Newman (née Mizialko).
Left to cherish Liz’s memory are her brother, John Newman; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Holly Frentzel; daughter Nancy and son-in-law, Jeroen Gerrese; grandsons Jeremy and Dylan Gerrese; along with cousins, nieces, nephews and many close friends who were like family to her. She was predeceased by her parents and brother, Bill Newman.
After graduating from Carl Schurz High School in Chicago, Liz attended Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, IN and later received a degree in physical therapy from Columbia University in Manhattan. In 1963, she moved to New Jersey and called Leonia home for 58 years.
She was very involved with Holy Spirit Lutheran Church for many years and served on the council as president. After its closing, she found a new home at Grace Lutheran Church in Teaneck, NJ. Liz was also active with the Players Guild of Leonia and a regular at the Leonia Library. She enjoyed her many book groups and bible study. An avid traveler, she loved photography and taking pictures of her travels.
Liz never missed celebrating Christmas with her daughter’s family even when that meant flying to London, Moscow or California. Baking the Christmas stollen together was a family tradition, and the festive afternoon they spent doing that last year is an especially treasured memory.
She had a wide circle of friends and wanted to let everyone know they were loved by her. She was an amazing cook, and entertaining family and friends brought her joy. She also loved making others happy by sending cards with handwritten notes.
Liz is already missed beyond measure and will never be forgotten because she gave everyone so much to remember.
The family will receive their friends on Friday May 20th from 3:00 – 7:00 PM at the Frank A. Patti and Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home 327 Main Street "opposite the Fort Lee Library". All are asked to Assemble Saturday May 21st in Grace Lutheran Church, Teaneck at 12:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to either a memorial in Elizabeth's memory at Grace Lutheran Church 1200 River Road Teaneck, NJ 07666 or Autism Speaks at autismspeaks.org
IT IS REQUESTED THAT YOU WOULD KINDLY WEAR A MASK WHILE ATTENDING BOTH THE VISITATION AND CHURCH SERVICE. Masks and Social Distancing is required to attend church services. WE THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.
Services
Visitation at Funeral Home: May 20, 2022 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Frank A. Patti & Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home
327 Main Street
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
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I have been doing the Players Guild online improv session with Liz for the past two years or so, and didn’t realize who she was other than just Liz in the Players Guild! It was always a fun time with her every week, and she will be missed in our little group.
LIZ AND I HAD AN UNUSUAL CONNECTION , WE BOTH SHARED APRIL 28th AS OUR BIRTHDATE . I WAS MUCH YOUNGER(3 years) , WHICH ALWAYS MADE BOTH OF US SMILE . A SMILE ON LIZ'S FACE WAS VERY COMMON AND SHE WAS SOMEONE WHO ENJOYED LIFE . I WAS ALSO IN THE GUILD'S IMPROV CLASSES WITH HER AND SHE MADE FUNNY AND INTERESTING COMMENTS. I'LL MISS YOU BIRTHDAY BUDDY…
ART PENQUE
Dear Family of Liz,
The most fun I ever had was a singing class that we both took. We had a recital at the Drill Hall and we sang our little hearts out. We were very well received and I remember Liz was elated. She told me the difficulties she had with her throat and yet she did it and was so proud. We hugged each other a long time that evening and I felt so close to her after that. I will miss her very much. I want to convey my deepest condolences to her family. Sincerely, Lois Corwin
Liz and I got to work together when she played my mother in a play, a number of years back, for the Playwrights Showcase at the Leonia Players Guild. She just loved connecting with people and was so thrilled to be able to do so during Covid and beyond, through the ZOOM improv sessions that I facilitated. I was always impressed with her ability to manage the technology! She was kind, thoughtful, resourceful and a creative storyteller. I will miss her, and my heart goes out to her family.