Frances Spang Fetterolf

By the time she graduated from college, Fran Fetterolf already had gained a reputation as "a woman who got things done" – from her service as president of the Pan-Hellenic Association to her election to Who’s Who among college students in America. She maintained that distinction throughout her life as she used her considerable talents to bring together people and resources on behalf of organizations making a difference, particularly for children and youth. On April 20, 2017, she passed away peacefully at Good Samaritan Hospice at Heritage Valley Beaver, following a long illness. She was 86. Born and raised in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, Fran attended Grove City College, where she met her future husband, Charles Fred Fetterolf (1928-2012). They married in 1953 and raised two children in locations across the country as Fred made a career at Alcoa. Finally settling in Sewickley in 1974, Fran worked as Executive Assistant to the President of Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation, and continued her deep commitment to community service. She was a Board member of Child Health Association of Sewickley, Greater Pittsburgh Campfire, and Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, and organized the first benefit galas for Saltworks Theater Company, Communities and Schools, Tumaini Academy (a Christian school in northern Kenya), and Women of Pittsburgh 2000. Fran was particularly proud of her long association with Saltworks, an organization that uses live theater to help children make positive choices about the social challenges they face. According to Executive Director Norma Alrutz, Fran’s contributions as Board member, Board chair, and Board emeritus for more than 25 years were, "invaluable and irreplaceable. Fran was thought of as the matriarch of Saltworks." Fran also worked tirelessly, alongside husband Fred, to nurture the growth of Imani Christian Academy, organizing annual galas to benefit the school, the most memorable of which were held at the couple’s former Sewickley Heights home. She opened her home to other community groups as well, including a Christmas party that she hosted for homeless veterans served by Shepherd’s Heart ministry. A committed Christian, Fran was a longtime member of St. Stephens Church in Sewickley; she served on the Vestry and chaired the Missions Committee, among other contributions. Fran is also fondly remembered for her love of music, flowers, playing cards, and entertaining family and friends at her homes. She is survived by sister Reida Tramsen, daughter Regan, son Scott, daughter-in-law Terri, five grandchildren—Katie Staub (Ricky), Scott Jr., Ryan, Kelly, and Jacob—one great grandchild, and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive visitors from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. Sunday April 30 at COPELAND FUNERAL HOME, 702 Beaver Street, Sewickley.
A public Memorial Service will be held 4:00 p.m. Monday, May 1 at St. Stephens Church Sewickley, 405 Frederick Ave, with dinner reception to follow. Memorial donations may be sent to Saltworks Theater Company and St. Stephens Church.

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