Source: The Quad City Times, October 12, 2015

Sandra L. Fries, 65, of Davenport, was healed and accepted by the Lord, on Wednesday October 7, 2015, at her home, surrounded by her family. Visitation will be Monday October 12th from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Weerts Funeral Home, Kimberly at Jersey Ridge Road, Davenport. A vigil service will begin at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday October 13th at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1923 Fillmore Street, Davenport.

Sandy was born in 1950 in Sioux City, Iowa to Jack and Bernice Fitzpatrick. She graduated from Heelan High School in 1968 and attended Briar Cliff College where she went on to become a certified histologist. Sandy and Joe began their married life together on January 20, 1973. Joe's military service in the Navy brought them to Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, CA . While there they discovered the beauty of the ocean, the mountains, waterfalls, the Redwood forest and mountain streams. Their decision to raise their children with their families took them from California to Iowa.

In 1974 she became CEO of the Fries family, making the important decision to raise her children and took on so many different roles. She was the teacher, doctor, nurse, referee, lawyer, cheerleader, taxi driver, housekeeper, master chef, counselor, accountant, banker and best friend. She was our shoulder to cry on, our rock, our glue, the quiet leader of our family. She became a second mom to so many other children through Grandma Sandy's Daycare. She touched so many children's lives and was an angel on Earth to so many.

First and foremost she enjoyed anything that related to being with her family. She enjoyed traveling and family vacations, especially when she and Joe, and a multitude of 20- plus others, caravanned across the country every year. She enjoyed camping, flowers, a trip now and then to the casino, baking her famous pumpkin bread validated by her family and neighbors, a meal for her kids on those busy days called life. Her belief was that a trip to Dairy Queen fixed everything.

Like every other challenge in life she faced her battle with cancer with bravery and courage. Even until the day she was accepted by the Lord she had a smile on her face. She was a gentle, humble woman and will be missed by all who knew her.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband Joe, 1 son and 3 daughters: Brian (Samantha) Fries, Janet (Ben) Nicholas, Sarah (Jeff) Jauron, and Lori (Derek) Boren; 17 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; three brothers; Jim Fitzpatrick, Tom Fitzpatrick and Mike (Connie) Fitzpatrick, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jack, and her mother, Bernice.

We would like to thank our family and friends for all their support and prayers. We would also like to thank Dr. Costas Constantinou and staff, the ICU medical staff at Trinity Terrace Park, and Heartland Hospice, for the compassionate care they all provided, during her battle with cancer.