Frances E. Schweitzer Dreczko

An Exuberant Spirit

Frances E. (Schweitzer) Dreczko, 85, formerly of New Fairfield and Westerly, R.I., a homemaker and skilled crafter who loved theater, film, performing, and animals, and whose exuberant spirit was most fulfilled when helping others and traveling, died June 18, with her family by her side, at Harborside at Glen Hill in Danbury. Born in White Plains, N.Y., on January 29, 1924, she was the daughter of Vera and Gaetano Arrigo. She was the wife of the late Stanley Dreczko, Jr.

Mrs Dreczko is survived by her three sons, including Frank J. Schweitzer, Jr, and his wife, Gail, formerly of Newtown and now of Saco, Maine; a daughter, Robin L. Schweitzer also a former Newtown resident and now of Southbury; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters; and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her beloved cat, Gypsy.

Tales of her childhood experiences became well-loved legends among family members.

Mrs Dreczko lived for many decades in New Fairfield with her first husband, the late Frank J. Schweitzer. She worked several part-time jobs, including concessionaire at New Fairfield Town Park, school crossing guard, and nurse’s aide.

In New Fairfield, she was a fixture on stage at the Candlewood Theater. A gifted piano player and singer, she strongly encouraged family members with musical and performing arts ambitions.

Mrs Dreczko traveled extensively throughout North America. When not on the road, she used her extraordinary crafting skills to design and create a dizzying array of elaborate, handmade items.

In the 1980s, she relocated to Westerly, R.I., with her husband. After his death in 2002, she moved back to the Danbury area. An avid card player, she enjoyed the bingo hall at Foxwoods, Elvis Presley, classic movies, musicals, and, most of all, her family.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 pm, Friday, June 26, at Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9-11 Granville Avenue, Danbury. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Saturday, June 27, at 10:30 am, in St Edward the Confessor Church, New Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis TN, 38105; or to ASPCA, PO Box 96929, Washington DC 20090-6929.

The Newtown Bee        June 26, 2009