Darryl Nadine Smith Fritts

HERKIMER - “Darryl” was a loving wife, mother, sister and friend. She passed from this world, on March 2, 2024, at age 85.

She was born in Weedsport, New York, to Edna and Harold “Doc” Smith, on November 21,1938. Her ancestors have lived in the Northeast for centuries. She graduated from the University of Albany with a master’s degree in education and moved to Herkimer, New York, where she took her first teaching position, at Foley Middle School. It was there that she met the love of her life and future husband and father of her children, Ralph Fritts. She knew instantly and went home and told her mother she needed to buy a coffee pot, to which her mother said, “you don’t drink coffee” to which Darryl answered “no, but I just met Ralph Fritts and he does and I’m going to marry him.” They lived and taught together in Herkimer, New York and raised 2 children, David and Michael, until Ralph suddenly passed away in 1983. Darryl took on the sole responsibility of raising and providing for both teenage boys, which she did with uncompromising love, strength and dedication.

She is survived by her sons, David and Michael.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband; and a brother.

Darryl was an exceptional mother who loved her boys, family, church, the outdoors, animals (especially cats) and cooking. If you knew her, she would always offer up food, tea or coffee for family and friends and if you were visiting, you needed to bring a smile, good conversation and an appetite. She was a skilled artisan who enjoyed drawing and writing. She filled her home with pictures and mementos of family and friends. She was always a teacher at heart and made friends wherever she went. A strong-willed woman of faith, she had a huge heart and placed family above all else. She will be most dearly missed.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Friday, May 3, 2024, starting with a calling hour at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street, in Herkimer, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Then we will proceed to St. Francis de Sales Church, North Bellinger Street, in Herkimer, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, at 10:30 a.m., followed by interment next to her husband, at Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer.

Darryl’s funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors.