Obituary of Emilie Joan Coots

Emilie Joan Fritz ("Fritzie") Coots, 86, of State Street, Canton died Saturday 10 January 2015 at Canton Potsdam Hospital after a brief stay. Fritzie was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania 3 October 1928 to Forrest and Frances Fritz. She married Max Coots on 21 December 1950 in New York City ; the marriage ended in divorce in 1976. However, they became the best of friends and remained so until his death. They are survived by sons Doug and wife Amy Bernhardt, Brian and companion Karen E. Johnson, and Danny and wife Kimberly Coots; and grandchildren Ryan, Halle, Alden, Hannah, and Bella. Fritzie completed high school in Scranton, and graduated from Keystone College, Bucknell University (A.B. Sociology), and Teachers College, Columbia University (M.A. Guidance). She worked as a claims adjustor for Liberty Mutual Insurance in New York City. She took great pride in the fact that she was appointed the first woman probation officer in St. Lawrence County in 1962, and served as Acting Director of Probation in 1963 and Probation Supervisor from 1963 to 1970. Fritzie served as president of the St. Lawrence Chorus of Sweet Adelines, president of the Canton Church and Community Board of Directors, and mediator for the Northern New York Center for Conflict Resolution, as well as a member of the St. Lawrence Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Canton Area Zonta Club. Over the years Fritzie was an enthusiastic swimmer, bicycler, cross-country skier, and walker, but later in life she derived as much pleasure in golfing and exercise class with her good friends as she had in all the earlier activities. Fritzie was not a particularly religious person, but just in case, she wouldn't mind your prayers. She has asked that those wishing to honor her memory send donations to the Potsdam Humane Society or Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley. There will be an informal celebration of her life for close friends and family later this summer, and according to her wishes her ashes will be buried with her beloved dog Red, who has been waiting for her for 34 years. Lawrence Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Canton is serving the family. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.lawrencefuneralhome.org.