Marietta Fryer Obituary (1924 - 2025)

Marietta Missie Brewer Fryer, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, at the age of 100. Born on November 25, 1924, in St. Louis, MO, she was a remarkable woman who lived a full and meaningful life, celebrating 101 Christmases surrounded by love and family. Marietta was the daughter of Charles and Evelyn Brewer. Following her parents’ divorce when she was just two years old, she was raised by her mother, grandparents, and extended family. During the Great Depression, she faced many hardships, spending a year in a Catholic orphanage in St. Louis and later living in Spokane, WA, with her older sister Ruth. These early experiences shaped Marietta’s deep compassion and unwavering resilience. In 1940, she met the love of her life, Joseph Albert Fryer, and they were married on April 4, 1942, just seven months before her 18th birthday. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising four children—Joseph, Kenneth, David, and Rebecca. Their journey took them across the country, living in San Diego, CA; Iola, KS; Denver, CO; Wichita, KS; and ultimately settling in Orange, CA, with brief stays in Los Alamitos and Saratoga, CA. Marietta dedicated herself to being a homemaker until 1969 when she decided to pursue secretarial training to secure a career. In 1970, she began working for Aetna Life Insurance, where her intelligence and conscientiousness led her to the role of office manager. Her ability to manage insurance agents developed through years of raising her own lively household of four children and many animals. She retired at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication. Tragically, Marietta lost her beloved husband Joseph on November 2, 1983. Though she carried on with grace and strength, she never stopped missing the love of her life. In retirement, she found joy in playing bridge, traveling, and quilting. Her generosity knew no bounds—she was a selfless advocate for the less fortunate, always giving from the heart without a thought for herself. Despite the comforts of her later years, she never forgot her humble beginnings and remained deeply grateful for the blessings she received. In 2011, Marietta moved to the Pacific Northwest to live with her daughter Rebecca and son-in-law Dennis. She cherished the time spent with her granddaughter, Samantha, and her husband, Joel. Her dear Maltie-Poo, Sadie, was a constant companion in her final years and will miss her deeply. Marietta leaves behind a loving family, including her children and their spouses, Joseph and Bonnie, Kenneth and Bonnie, and Rebecca and Dennis; her grandchildren, Scott, Amy, Bryan, Teresa, Rebecca, and Samantha; as well as numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was a blessing to all who knew her and will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, dear Mom. Your love, strength, and kindness will live on in our hearts forever.