Jeanne Claire Fritz Dostal

Jeanne Claire Fritz Dostal was welcomed by the angels on Sunday June 25th, 2023.

She was born August 9, 1934, in St. Marys, PA, daughter of the late Theodore “Babe” and Elva Herzing Fritz. She was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1952.

She went on to attend Clarion University where she majored in Library Science. While attending Clarion, she was the first president of the Newman Club, the Middle Atlantic Province where she taught leadership classes. She was voted Miss Clarion in 1956 and was 2nd in the Miss Pennsylvania competition that same year. Jeanne graduated from Clarion University in 1956, earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Library Science and English, as well as continuing her education at Millersville University.

She married Robert C. Dostal on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1958 in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Jeanne taught at Cameron County High School from 1956 to 1958.

Her love of books and her degree brought her to the Sacred Heart School library where she was the head librarian from 1960 until 2002. She inspired countless children over 4 decades to learn the love of reading and understand the wonderment of books. She was very good at matching a child’s interest to available books and throughout the 1960’s she would tutor children.

Jeanne was an inspiration to many local libraries volunteering at the Spruce Street School and at St. Leo’s in Ridgway. In 1960 when the St. Marys Library was built, she volunteered and helped with the setup.

Jeanne lived on Gypsy Lane in St. Marys, PA where she worked at her most cherished career, that of a loving mother. She raised three boys and was proud all became Eagle Scouts.

Her love of doll houses and miniatures led Jeanne to open Dostal’s Curiosity Shop in 1980. Located at 232 Brusselles Street for over 30 years, the Curiosity Shop became a classic specialty toy store attracting customers from all over the United States and Canada. From the creation of beautiful shadow boxes to a full collection of Playmobil, she inspired countless children to play and learn. When interviewed by a trade journal she said, “I firmly believe playing and education go hand in hand; as do creativity and education.” Many patrons who loved her store as children grew up to bring their own children to her shop of wonders.

Her love of writing and telling stories inspired her to write for the Daily Press, “Grist from Old Mills”, and the Lake Shore Visitor. Her love of the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Pittsburgh Pirates brought her both happiness and heartbreak.

Her love of St. Marys inspired her to be an active member of the St. Marys Historical Society, serving two terms as Vice President and two terms as President. She was active in the annual Christmas dinner and Pancake Supper.

Her love of God inspired her to be a devout Catholic and a very active member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Jeanne served on the St. Marys Parish Planning committee in 1976 and on the Liturgical committee since 1978, where she was president since the beginning of the committee. Until her passing, Jeanne was also integral in the planning of the Memorial Eve Mass, Thanksgiving Eve Mass, and Corpus Christi. She maintained friendships with priests and nuns of St. Marys throughout her life.

Her love for others inspired Jeanne to turn her working career into a “volunteering” career until May of this year when she completed her final writing for the St. Marys Church’s Memorial Day Program.

Jeanne is survived by two sons: James F. Dostal (Terry) of Lancaster, PA and Jason P. Dostal (Debbie) of Indianapolis, IN; five grandchildren: Johnathan (Kayleigh), Julie, Jesse (Lauren), Justin, and Jenna (Steve); 7 great grandchildren; her sister, Judy Nolan of Richardson,TX; many nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews. Special thanks to, Mary Malone and Mary Ross, Jenny and Tim Brem, for their help and support throughout the years.

In addition to her parents, Jeanne was preceded in death by her son, Joseph M. Dostal; her sister, Mildred “Mimi” Troha; and her brother, Gerry Fritz.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 10:30 AM, with the Rev. Thomas Curry, OSB, officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Jeanne’s color was pink so we are asking everyone attending the service to wear a splash of pink in her honor.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 325 Church Street, St. Marys, PA 15857, the St. Marys Historical Society, 99 Erie Avenue, St. Marys, PA 15857, or to the Penn Highland Community Nurses, 757 Johnsonburg Road, Suite 200, St. Marys, PA 15857.

Jeanne touched so many lives, and the impact of her efforts, curiosity and love will be passed for many generations to come. Jeanne said “I have loved and been loved and pray that I have fulfilled my mission in life to the best of my ability. Hopefully my love and example will be my legacy”