Jane Fryman Peth

PETH, Jane Fryman, age 97, passed away of natural causes at her home in Fenton. Born May 19, 1914 in Raton, NM to George R. Fryman and Margaret Christie. Jane and her brother William,(deceased) grew up in Flint. She graduated Michigan State College where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. On February 13, 1942, Jane married Richard B. Peth and they were together 47 years until his death in June 1989. As a young woman, Jane entered business, taking over ownership of her aunt's millinery shop, the Christie Shop, in downtown Flint. She transformed the store into a well-regarded woman's specialty shop, carrying clothing, jewelry, gloves, and, of course, hand-made hats. After closing the store in the late 1960s, she continued working in retail, not "retiring" until she was in her 70s. Jane enjoyed reading, playing bridge, needlework and sports of all kinds. She particularly enjoyed watching college basketball, and was an MSU fan all her life. She followed professional golf and on Sunday afternoons, could always be found watching the golf matches on TV. Jane was a "doer" and throughout her life could always be counted on to pitch in and take care of whatever project or task was at hand. She was a charter member of Quota International of Flint, founded in 1944, a community service organization for business women focusing on service and support for hearing-impaired and disadvantaged women and children. She served in many leadership roles, including President in 1959-1961 and devoted countless hours of time and support to Quota's mission. Through Quota she met the women who became her closest friends, friendships that lasted her entire life. Jane was also actively involved with the Flint Institute of Music, the Flint Institute of Arts, and other community organizations. Though she received numerous awards and accolades for her community service work, Jane didn't seek rewards or limelight, preferring to let her actions speak for her. So she was very honored to attend the 2010 Quota District conference when the first "Jane Peth Award" was presented. The award recognizes an individual who is steadfast and caring toward their fellow members and the community and Jane was pleased and humbled to have this award named for her. Fiercely independent, Jane rarely asked for help for herself. But she always stepped up to help family and friends, making meals, taking them to appointments or running errands, providing physical care, or offering emotional support during difficult times. Jane was compassionate, loving and generous, particularly with grandchildren Rachel and Alex. In addition to her brother and her husband, Jane was also preceded in death by daughter Christie Tabacchi. She is survived by her daughter Sara Peth (Gregory Jones) of Ann Arbor grandchildren Rachel Wafle-Tabacchi (David) of Baltimore MD, and Alex Tabacchi of Swartz Creek, and son-in-law William Tabacchi of Swartz Creek. A memorial service will be held July 10, 2011 at 2pm at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Rd., Fenton. Reverend Paul Ytterock officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Quota Club of Flint, PO Box 197, Flint, MI 48501-0197 or the First Presbyterian Church of Flint. Jane truly exemplified the words of the Quota Collect "....Unfold to us the joys of true friendship, Open our minds to a better understanding of service..." She will be greatly missed. Tributes may be posted on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com

Funeral Service

Sunday, July 10, 2011 2:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Fenton Chapel
1000 Silver Lake Road Fenton 48430, United States