Celebrating the life of
Freda Saseen Ranitz
Passed away on March 01, 2011
-SAVANNAH - Freda Saseen Ranitz, died peacefully at home in Savannah on March 1st, 2011, surrounded by her loving family. She was the widow of John Frederick Martin Ranitz, JR., her beloved husband of 50 years. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by three sisters: Louise, Marie, and Rosemary Saseen; and four brothers, Thomas, William, Robert, and Edward Saseen. Born in Savannah, Freda was one of ten children who lived in their family home on Oglethorpe Avenue, an ancestral home of over one hundred years. She graduated from St. Vincent's Academy and attended Draughon's Business College. With her sharp business acumen and passion for real estate, Freda was successful in purchasing, renovating and selling property in downtown as well as other areas in Savannah. Remarkably, Freda's petite frame emitted boundless energy for her projects and infinite generosity for her friends. Inspired by the architecture of downtown, she became an advocate of preserving and restoring property in the historic district. Clearly, she was a forerunner in the movement to recapture the idea of residential and business blending together within the downtown area. With her vision, she established an office for her husband's law firm by using a historic property: one of the first to be adapted. Also, she built the first single-family residence in the historic district in over a hundred years, keeping it commensurate with the surrounding architecture. An avid participant in the community, she was a lifetime member of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, a member of the Garden Club of Savannah, the Savannah Symphony and the Telfair Museum of Art. Her membership also included The Oglethorpe Club, Savannah Yacht Club and The Chatham Club. She is survived by her children, Deborah Ranitz Dickson Ian and John F.M. Ranitz, III; two grandchildren, Luke John Dickson Amy, and Deborah Louise Dickson. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Saseen White, and brother, Joseph Owen Saseen Pat as well as many other nieces and nephews. Special thanks to her devoted caregivers who provided her with extraordinary care and companionship: Shirley Healey, Martha Thaggard, Mary Hunter, Teresa Stewart, Ann Caudell, and Claretha Bivins. Visitation will be held at Fox and Weeks at Hodgson Memorial Chapel on Friday, March 4th from 5:00 to 7:00pm. The funeral Mass will be held at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on Saturday, March 5th at 10:00am with interment at Bonaventure Cemetery. Monsignor William O. O'Neill will officiate. Pallbearers will be Luke John Dickson, Thomas J. Mahoney, Jr, Thomas J. Mahoney, III, Robert E. White, Edward S. Dillon, and Leon Williamson, Jr Following the burial, the family will receive friends at The Oglethorpe Club for a celebration. Remembrances can be made to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist at 222 East Harris Street, Savannah, 31401 or Hospice Savannah, 1352 Eisenhower Drive, 31406.
What a wonderful lady! I had the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Ranitz as a friend of my grandparents, Ray and Pat Forker, and my Godmother, Margaret Artley. Once, when I was pet-sitting for Aunt Margaret, Freda came by the house to take me out to lunch. I remember how thoughtful and kind she was to do that and how much I enjoyed spending that afternoon with her: May God bless her family and loved ones with many precious happy memories. Best wishes,
- Laura Morrissey Ludwig, Arp, TX
Ranitz Family, I am truly grateful to have been a part of Mrs. Ranitz's life. She was a wonderful woman who I will always have fond memories of; the Mahoneys are blessed to be a part of the family. I'll be thinking of you all and keep everyone in my prayers. Love, Megan
- Megan Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Dear Debbie and John, When Bill and Cassie pasted away we all said, 'it feels like the end of an era.' However their characteristics and traditions live on through us, Aunt Freda's will be kept alive through your lives. Much Love and prayers send your way. Maggie
- Maggie Hoffmann, Noble, OK
Dear Debbie, Sorry to hear about your mother. Let me know if there's anything I can do.
- Patricia Ray, Savannah, GA
Dear Debbie and John: I’ve always thought fondly of your mother because when my grandmother, Mary Schaaf Bischoff, died in 1967, Freda came out to Isle of Hope and took charge of the gathering at the house after the funeral. I remember Aunt Allie your grandmother saying to me that she was just sorry Grandmother couldn’t be there, as “Mamie loved a party.” Freda deserves a great celebration of her life now. Love and condolences from a second cousin, Peggy
- Margaret Frances Barton Driggs, Easton, MD
Johnny and Debby, I think about all those summer at Tybee and our families sharing good times. That's is what I remember about your mom and dad--good times. My thoughts are with you , Love, Laurel
- Laurel Hoffmann Noel, St, Louis, MO
Dear Debi,Johnny and Family, Truly a caring lady has passed.Freda was wise in many ways and loved both of you and many other persons.I know of many kind things she quietly did for others over the years.You are in our thoughts and prayers and have our deepest sympathy.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
She was a delightful member of Garden Club.
- Joan Usher, savannah, GA
Debbie and John: Please accept our most sincere condolences for the death of Aunt Freda. It is so difficult losing a parent even when you know the end is near. I still think often of Mamma and Daddy and it has been 12 years since they died, as I know you do of Uncle John. You both are in our thoghts and prayers. Rick and Nancy Hoffmann
- John Frederick Martin Hoffmann, Tallahassee, FL
John, Please accept my deepest sympathy for the recent loss of your mother. Mrs. Freda was a wonderful person. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Sincerely, Patty Lyde Be blessed...Kroger
- Patty Lyde, Savannah, GA
Debbie, Ian & Johnny, What an honor to have met your mother! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Peace, Prayers & Blessings, JoAnn
- JoAnn Rusden, Savannah, GA
What a wonderful lady! I had the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Ranitz as a friend of my grandparents, Ray and Pat Forker, and my Godmother, Margaret Artley. Once, when I was pet-sitting for Aunt Margaret, Freda came by the house to take me out to lunch. I remember how thoughtful and kind she was to do that and how much I enjoyed spending that afternoon with her: May God bless her family and loved ones with many precious happy memories. Best wishes,
- Laura Morrissey Ludwig, Arp, TX
Ranitz Family, I am truly grateful to have been a part of Mrs. Ranitz's life. She was a wonderful woman who I will always have fond memories of; the Mahoneys are blessed to be a part of the family. I'll be thinking of you all and keep everyone in my prayers. Love, Megan
- Megan Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Dear Debbie and John, When Bill and Cassie pasted away we all said, 'it feels like the end of an era.' However their characteristics and traditions live on through us, Aunt Freda's will be kept alive through your lives. Much Love and prayers send your way. Maggie
- Maggie Hoffmann, Noble, OK
Dear Debbie, Sorry to hear about your mother. Let me know if there's anything I can do.
- Patricia Ray, Savannah, GA
Dear Debbie and John: I’ve always thought fondly of your mother because when my grandmother, Mary Schaaf Bischoff, died in 1967, Freda came out to Isle of Hope and took charge of the gathering at the house after the funeral. I remember Aunt Allie your grandmother saying to me that she was just sorry Grandmother couldn’t be there, as “Mamie loved a party.” Freda deserves a great celebration of her life now. Love and condolences from a second cousin, Peggy
- Margaret Frances Barton Driggs, Easton, MD
Johnny and Debby, I think about all those summer at Tybee and our families sharing good times. That's is what I remember about your mom and dad--good times. My thoughts are with you , Love, Laurel
- Laurel Hoffmann Noel, St, Louis, MO
Dear Debi,Johnny and Family, Truly a caring lady has passed.Freda was wise in many ways and loved both of you and many other persons.I know of many kind things she quietly did for others over the years.You are in our thoughts and prayers and have our deepest sympathy.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
She was a delightful member of Garden Club.
- Joan Usher, savannah, GA
Debbie and John: Please accept our most sincere condolences for the death of Aunt Freda. It is so difficult losing a parent even when you know the end is near. I still think often of Mamma and Daddy and it has been 12 years since they died, as I know you do of Uncle John. You both are in our thoghts and prayers. Rick and Nancy Hoffmann
- John Frederick Martin Hoffmann, Tallahassee, FL
John, Please accept my deepest sympathy for the recent loss of your mother. Mrs. Freda was a wonderful person. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Sincerely, Patty Lyde Be blessed...Kroger
- Patty Lyde, Savannah, GA
Debbie, Ian & Johnny, What an honor to have met your mother! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Peace, Prayers & Blessings, JoAnn
- JoAnn Rusden, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
