Mary Jane Fries, born on November 7, 1952 in East St. Louis, Illinois, was called to heaven by the Lord on December 19, 2024 in Winter Park, Florida.

Known for her remarkable accomplishments and diverse interests, Mary Jane demonstrated an unsurpassed passion for life and living it to the fullest. After growing up in East St. Louis, Mary Jane earned her pharmacy degree from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy before moving to Winter Park, Florida. In Florida, she continued her education by earning an MBA from the prestigious Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, while working full time as the Director of Pharmacy at Winter Park Memorial Hospital, where her leadership revolutionized pharmaceutical patient care. After retiring from hospital health care, Mary Jane worked as an independent consultant and infusion clinic pharmacist, ultimately transitioning into community pharmacy, working for Walgreens. Throughout her career, her patients and colleagues routinely recognized her for her extensive expertise and dedicated customer service.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mary Jane embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. She was a gifted water skier and loved being on or near the water. As an avid cyclist, Mary Jane advocated for the local bike trail and was often seen riding her bike around town. She maintained a deep love for gardening, developing the most beautifully manicured and recognized yard in the neighborhood. An avid glass enthusiast and collector, Mary Jane was mesmerized by the prisms, shapes, colors, and experience light could create. A doting mother and amazing Mimi, Mary Jane selflessly supported and taught her daughters and grandchildren to share in pursuits that bring happiness and fulfillment, like baking cookies, exploring the arts, crafting, painting, and traveling.

Mary Jane is survived by her loving family: daughters, Natalie Walker and Brittany Fries; mother, Alice Zagorski; siblings, Shirley Barthel, James Zagorski, and Vicki Genard; as well as many friends and loved ones who will cherish her memory.

A celebration of Mary Jane's life will take place in Belleville, Illinois, during the summer of 2025. Details regarding the service will be shared with family and friends closer to that time.

Mary Jane's vibrant fighting spirit and enduring loving legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She reminds those that knew her to reach for the stars, expect the moon, and accept what life brings.