Anna Maria Frederick's Obituary
Anna Maria Frederick was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and faithful Catholic. She entered eternal rest on February 16, 2026, surrounded by love and fortified by the Rites of the Holy Mother Church. She had a special devotion to our Blessed Mother. She spent her life serving others with kindness, compassion, and a deep unyielding trust in God’s plan. Her life was rooted in prayer and sacrifice. Faith and family were her passions. Her family misses her terribly, but they live in the hope that they will be reunited in heaven, where they will celebrate with everlasting joy.
Anna was preceded in death by her husband, Travis Frederick, in 2008. Her legacy of faith, love and service continue to inspire her beloved children, Grantham Frederick (Melanie) and Diane Thagard (Keith); grandchildren, Michael Frederick (Marci) and Andrew Thagard (Madison); and great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Thomas Frederick.
Anna was born to, Friedolin and Genoveva Berchtold, on May 18, 1933, in Hammelburg near Hetzlos, Germany. She was the youngest and only girl of six children. She grew up in austere conditions of WWII and its aftermath. With the love of family, Catholic faith, and determination, she became resilient. She had an adventurous spirit from an early age. As a child, Anna always managed to find a way to enjoy life- even if it meant ice skating without ice skates! She found joy in the simple things in life and the beauty of nature. Despite food scarcity in the middle of war, Anna fiercely protected a deer that became a family pet. She was a bit of a tomboy and loved riding with her brothers on their motorcycle. In her early twenties, she was an avid skier in the Bavarian Alps.
Her greatest adventure began when she met the love of her life, Travis Frederick, while he served in the US Army in Augsburg, Germany. That adventure took her across the ocean to the United States where she married him in 1956. During their marriage, Anna was a loving and supportive spouse traveling with Travis to many duty stations. Their first child, Grantham, was born in Georgia. Diane, their second, was born in Missouri.
Their final duty station was Fort Polk, Louisiana in 1967. Leesville, Louisiana became Travis and Anna’s last home together. St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Leesville became their spiritual home. Anna was a member of St. Michael’s Church for 52 years. During those years she served in the Altar Society, assisted CCD classes and Vacation Bible School, and was involved with the Ladies Circle among other church groups.
In addition to being a mother and homemaker, Anna worked outside the home in Leesville as an artist in Hancock’s Candle Company. In her spare time, she enjoyed embroidery, cross-stitch, and crewel needlework. She also loved flower and vegetable gardening. Anna was an excellent cook and made the most wonderful German dishes. She created delicious dishes in which she combined Louisiana cuisine with a touch of German flair.
Anna had a servant’s heart. She volunteered in her children’s activities with scouting and school booster clubs for the band and football team. She was a devoted Veterans of Foreign War and American Legion Ladies Auxiliary volunteer. One of her most memorable experiences was volunteering with the American Legion in the 6th International Special Olympics held in Baton Rouge at Louisiana State University in 1983.
Anna felt especially blessed to live to see her first grandson, Michael, graduate from Texas A&M; marry his beautiful wife, Marci; and give her the privilege of becoming a great-grandmother.
In 2019, Anna once again followed her adventurous spirit and moved to DuPont, WA to live with her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. She loved Washington’s beautiful trees, flowers, and mountains. They reminded her of her native Germany. She felt welcomed by Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Tacoma. It was a joy for her to be in WA to see her grandson, Andrew, graduate from St. Martin’s University; and then to see him marry his beautiful bride, Madison, in May 2025.
Anna said that it was her prayer to live long enough to see both of her children become adults. She said that any additional time would be an extra blessing for her. Her family realizes that having her with us until the age of ninety-two was our “extra blessing.”
She now rests in the arms of the Savior, having finished the race. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
Anna’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who befriended and prayed for her, the staff of Pioneer Place Memory Haven for their past five months of unwavering support and compassionate care, and to the Franciscan Hospice staff who provided peace and comfort as our loved one transitioned from her earthly life to her eternal life. May our heavenly Father bless you all 100-fold for the good you have done.
A Rosary was prayed for Anna on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 08:30 AM, followed by her Funeral Mass at 09:00 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Tacoma, WA.
Father Michael Champagne, CJC will officiate Anna’s Catholic Rite of Burial Committal at the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 1:30 PM.
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