Virginia Lee Fryer, 102, a long-time resident of Santa Fe, NM and Portola Valley and Claremont, California, passed away in Santa Fe on Thanksgiving Day 2023.
Born in Topeka, Kansas, Virginia attended Wanamaker School, Washburn Rural High School, Kansas State University, and graduated from Oklahoma University.
Virginia moved to Boston during the war, where she met Edward Fryer, a Navy physicist who was there, working on radar. After a church wedding in Boston and the wars end, they moved to California, where Ed taught Physics at Pomona College. Their first son, Robert, was born in 1948 and in 1952 the family spent a sabbatical year in Los Alamos and developed their love for New Mexico. Their second son, Richard, was born at Los Alamos Medical Center in 1953. While Ed taught Physics and later worked at Varian, in Palo Alto, Virginia pursued a very successful real estate career, both in Claremont and the Bay area. Still, the family continued to spend time in New Mexico and enjoy the art and artists in Santa Fe.
A beloved parent, friend, creative spirit and art enthusiast, Virginia knew Francoise Gilot, the wife of Jonas Salk. A favorite in her art collection was a self-portrait of Francois from her time as Picasso’s muse. She was a staunch supporter of the arts and attended Spanish Market each summer in Santa Fe and joyfully collected delightful creations by both children and award-winning artists. She had a fine eye for decorating and surrounded herself with classic and contemporary art from the many countries around the world she traveled to throughout her lifetime.
With sparkling eyes and a generous smile, Virginia possessed a Steel Magnolia approach to life. After Edward’s passing in 2005, she moved to Santa Fe to stay and to continue to enjoy its art and community. She leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories and an indelible mark on the lives she touched.
She is survived by her son, Robert Fryer (Raana) of San Diego; Richard Fryer of Scotts Valley, CA., grandchildren Ayisha Oatman (Matthew), and Zander Fryer (Maddie); greatgrandchildren Asher and Austin Oatman. She is also survived by her sister, Romig Streeter – a potter in Santa Fe, her brother Scott Sheets, and niece Lissa Streeter. The younger generation of “Kansas cousins” brought her joy; Jennifer Parmon, Greg and Kelly and young Scott Sheets, Beckey Wolken and Ted Sheets.
Inquiries and condolences may be directed by emailing [email protected].