Mary Fredricks

Mary Fredricks, 97, of Jamestown, ND, died Monday, June 5, 2017 at Prospera Continuing Care on Sunset, Mandan, ND.

Mary Helen Fredricks was born in Jamestown, ND on February 8th, 1920. Her parents, Hiram and Mary Gossett, and their seven children operated a dairy farm near Spiritwood, ND. She completed the elementary grades at a one-room school near Spiritwood, ND. Since there were no rural buses in those years, she and her sister often got there on horseback. Since education was highly valued in her family, her parents made it possible for her to stay in town during her high school years so that she would not have to travel so far to get to Jamestown High School. One of the highlights of her youth was her participation in a traveling puppet troupe sponsored by the Works Progress Administration to provide arts entertainment to Depression-weary North Dakotans. Information about the troupe is on display at the North Dakota Heritage Center.

On November 22nd, 1939, she married Martin C. Fredricks II, in Jamestown, ND. They spent most of their lives in Jamestown, with the exception a few years spent in Fargo, ND when Martin returned from World War II. They were married for 46 years and raised five children together. Martin was an attorney and later elected to the judgeship for North Dakota’s Fourth Judicial District. He passed away in 1985.

Throughout her life, she was very engaged in the life of her family, community and country. She was a member of the North Dakota Legion Auxiliary, the Stutsman County Homemakers Club, Saint James Tabernacle Society and a volunteer Girl Scout Leader. One of her proudest accomplishments was her years of service to the children of Saint James Catholic Church as a CCD teacher. She loved spending time with family, especially in the preparation of delicious meals. Everyone was welcome at her table. She made it a priority to stay in touch with family members through regular letters and phone calls. She always remembered birthdays.

Mary is survived by her sons, John (Kelly) Fredricks and Tom (Janet) Fredricks; daughters, Janice (Lynn) Clancy and Mary Fredricks; 13 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; 8 great great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Deloris J. “Babe” Gossett; nieces; nephews; and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son & daughter-in-law, Martin & Judy Fredricks; brothers, John (Ann) Gossett, Roy (Mary Alice) Gossett, Ray (Lydia) Gossett, and Gene Gossett; sisters, Vi (Henry) Nichols and Ruby Tuman.

Mass of Christian Burial : 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 9, 2017 at St. James Basilica, Jamestown.

Visitation: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Williams Funeral Home, Jamestown.

Interment: Calvary Cemetery, Jamestown.

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