January 19, 1961 – May 21, 2026

As Mitzi-Su Jennings Fremgen approached the final chapter of her life, she wished not for sadness, but for remembrance of the joy, laughter and love shared throughout her journey. She hoped those who knew her would carry forward the smiles, stories and warm memories created along the way.

Mitzi, the daughter of the late Beverley Cole Jennings and John Eugene Jennings, was born at Catskill Memorial Hospital.  She spent most of her childhood in Greene County, growing up in the hamlet of East Durham, affectionately known as the “Little Ireland of the Catskills.” She graduated from Cairo-Durham Central School District with the Class of 1979.

Throughout her life, Mitzi embraced hard work, self-reliance and service to her community. After holding a variety of jobs and being largely self-taught through life experience, she joined the East Durham Volunteer Fire Company in 1991. Her dedication to the fire service had already begun years earlier, as she was a member of the EDVFC Ladies Auxiliary since January 1979. In October 1999 Mitzi transferred to the Oak Hill-Durham Volunteer Fire Company, where she remained throughout the rest of her service. In 2001 Mitzi also joined the Oak Hill-Durham Ladies Auxiliary, remaining a devoted member of both organizations throughout her life.

In September 1998, Mitzi met the love of her life, Charles Robert Fremgen. The two shared a deep and enduring partnership until Charlie’s passing on April 8, 2022. She and Charlie were married on September 28, 2002, at the Oak Hill firehouse—a place that perfectly reflected the life they built together. Their marriage was filled with love, companionship and countless cherished memories over the next twenty years.

Mitzi found joy in life’s simple and creative pleasures. She was an avid reader of romantic novels and enjoyed counted cross-stitch, ceramics and crafting. She and Charlie especially treasured spending time together on their Harley-Davidson motorcycles and later traveling on their trike, enjoying the freedom of the open road and the beauty of good weather shared side by side.

Those left to cherish Mitzi’s memory include her Aunts Lois Vendon of Albany and Janice (Robert) Crone of Watertown, stepmother Dorothy Beechert Jennings and children, especially Alan (Lillian), cousins Laurie (David) Jennings, Linda Larsen, MeriLee Lake, Cecile (Joseph) Furlong, Mark (Barbara) Vendon, Ruth (Todd) Soules of Watertown, Amber Crone of Watertown, Bruce (Pam) Mackey of Dublin, OH and Brian Mackey of Atlanta, GA, along with many extended family members and dear friends whose lives she touched over the years.

Mitzi also often expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her best friend and confidante, Sarian (Kevin) Gleeson, whose friendship, love and support meant more to her than words could fully express.

Mitzi will be remembered for her quick wit, warm smile, loyal heart and unwavering devotion to the people and community she loved. Though deeply missed, the memories she created will continue to bring comfort, laughter and love to all who knew her.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, June 3 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by burial in Oak Hill Cemetery. A reception will then follow at the Oak Hill-Durham Fire House.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Oak Hill-Durham Volunteer Fire Company, 103 CR 22, Oak Hill, NY 12460, or to the East Durham Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 92, East Durham, NY 12423 will be appreciated.  Condolence messages may be posted at ajcunninghamfh.com.

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