AUBURN - Cecelia Bernadette Fritz, 88, widow of John G. Fritz, formerly of 229 State St., was called to her heavenly place of eternal rest Thursday, Oct. 27, 2005.

Mrs. Fritz was born in Auburn on Aug. 5, 1917, the daughter of the late George and Anna May, who came to the United States from Poland. On Feb. 14, 1942, Cecelia married John Fritz, who predeceased her March 8, 2003. She was very fluent in speaking and even writing Polish and kept in contact with her relatives there. In 1979, she toured Poland and visited with many of these relatives. In the years after her visit, she and her late husband, John, would send care packages and also purchased an organ for the church in Poland. She retired from General Electric Co. in 1980 after more than 17 years of service.

Cecelia enjoyed the Lawrence Welk Show, rose gardening, listening to Polish music, word puzzles and raising her two grandchildren. As a teenager with the Polish Falconettes, she won numerous medals for running and high jump.

She is survived by her daughters, Suzanne Fritz of Auburn and Mary Ann Alton of Annapolis, Md.; two grandchildren, Sarah and Nadia Venafro of Auburn; her sister, Josephine Smutok of Boston and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday in St. Hyacinth Church. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call 4 to 7 p.m. today at the Nicpon Funeral Home, 235 State St.

Memorial contributions may be made to Matthew House, 43 Metcalf Drive or Hospice of the Finger Lakes, 1130 Corporate Drive.

Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow, but remember me in every tomorrow.