Mary Jane Pernicka Fridrich was born on December 20, 1916, in Prague, and departed this life on Tuesday, December 9, 2008, in Prague, Oklahoma, at the age of 91.

Mary, the daughter of John and Marie Unger Pernicka, was a life-long resident of Prague.

She married Carl Ernest Fridrich on November 30, 1940 in Prague.

Both Carl and Mary were descendents of immigrant Czech families. Mary's paternal grandparents immigrated in the 1800's, first settling in Nebraska. They came to Oklahoma in 1891 to participate in the land run and homesteaded west of Prague. Mary's maternal grandparents and mother immigrated in the early 1900's.

Mary was a housewife, but also worked in the floral business from which she retired in 1978. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Prague Historical Society, a member of the WFLA/ZCBJ Lodge #46 for over 70 years, and of the Methodist faith.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband on February 14, 1999; her parents; one daughter, Luella Jane Fridrich; four sisters; and two brothers.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Carl John "Butch" and Ann Fridrich of Shawnee; Wayne and Deanna Fridrich of Prague; daughter, Cindy Lou Fridrich of Oklahoma City; six grandchildren and their spouses, Kelle and Kelly McEwen of Edmond;, Karrie and Steve Davis of Shawnee; Aaron and Genise Fridrich of Prague; Kirk and Tina Fridrich of Tulsa; Nicki Rohling of Prague; Sarah Massie of Tulsa; eleven great-grandchildren, Kyle, Ryan, April, Brett, Morgan, Beau, Lindsey, Kelsie, Preston, Joshua and John Thomas.

The Fridrich family will receive friends at Parks Brothers Funeral Home on Thursday, December 11, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 12, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague with Brother Tim Emmons officiating.

Interment will follow at the Czech National Cemetery in Prague.

Submitted & © by: Sherry Springer