Panchita Frances Fristrup, 96+
It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved family matron Panchita Frances Fristrup, aka "Pam", fifth-generation Californian, descendant of one of the original Spanish settling families in the land that would become the County of San Buenaventura, California. She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all who knew her. She died peacefully in her home in Ojai, CA on March 27, 2023, surrounded by family.
She was born on July 9th, 1926 in the Sisters Hospital on the hill in the city of Ventura, CA to Isolena Ayala Olivas and William Olivas. In the Ojai neighborhood which we call home, she was known as "the woman who sews." You could find her sitting at her sewing machine in her living room by the window, exchanging hand waves to friends and neighbors as they walked by. She was always ready to assist with wardrobe alterations and malfunctions. Her house, and the houses of her children and grandchildren, are filled with her handmade creations: sweaters that she knitted, blankets that she crocheted or quilted, beautiful intricate doilies and table cloths. She had an eye for beauty and fashion.
She is pre-deceased by her parents, her husband William B. Fristrup, her brother Father William V. Olivas of St. Thomas Aquinas church, her sister Delores Torres, and her sisters Roberta and Sally.
To her great delight, Pam has more children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren than she ever imagined having! She is survived by children Jenny Fristrup of Oak View, CA; Roberta and Robert Henson of Ojai, CA; stepchildren Carey and Sandy Fristrup of El Centro, CA; Nancy Fristrup of Oakhurst, CA; grandchildren Danielle Henson of Camarillo, CA: Katie and Gabe Ponce of Camarillo, CA: Anthony and Ashleigh Benelisha of Eureka, CA; Audrey Benelisha of Oxnard, CA: Steven and Marnee Henson of Camarillo, CA; and Gabrielle Henson and fiancé Austin Nesbit of Camarillo, CA; Matt and Brittany De La Cruz of Fillmore, CA: Stephanie and Manuel Gamez of El Centro, CA; Heather and Alex Knight of El Centro, CA; Nancy's children's families; great-grandchildren Soli, Suri, Alex, Rosemary, Zeke, and Eleanor.
Family and friends are invited to visiting hours to be held Monday evening April 10, 2023 from 4 to 8pm in the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 East Main Street, Ventura, where a Most Holy Rosary will be recited at 7pm. Graveside funeral services, officiated by Fr. Kirk Davis of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, will be held on Tuesday afternoon, April 11, 2023 at 1:00 pm in Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura, where she will be laid to rest next to our father who has been waiting for her for over twenty years.
Her moral fiber, strength of character, wicked side-eye, and generous heart will be sorely missed by many! Our father always described her as a true lady. We love you Mama!!!!