Lola Mae Friedrich

Lola Mae Friedrich, 84, of Centralia passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. She was born on October 13, 1936 the daughter of Charles and Dora Mae (Crane) Nelms in rural Centralia. She married Charles Friedrich on December 19, 1954 at Mt. Moriah Christian Church and he preceded her in death on October 30, 1994.

Survivors that will remember Lola’s kind ways and warm smile include her beloved family, daughter, Elizabeth “Jane “ Friederich; grandchildren, Tony Simmons and wife Cindy of Vandalia, and Dawn Murray and husband Mike of Maryland; step-grandchildren, Bryton Landrum, and Brittany Landrum; great-grandchildren, Kiersten Simmons, Ashton Scott and husband Coleman, and Caley Landrum; great-great-grandchildren, Brynlee and Cantyn Scott, Piper Tate, and Bristol Simmons; siblings, Charles Nelms of Chicago, Robert Nelms and wife Jackie of Junction City, and Eddie Nelms and wife Carolyn of Zion Hill; and sister-in-law, Jeannie Nelms of Centralia.

Along with her husband of 39 years, Charles Friedrich, Lola was preceded in death by both her parents, Charles and Dora Nelms; sister, Nancy Hine; brothers, Jack Nelms, and Dale Nelms; and loving friend, Gary Deadmond.

Lola was a faithful member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Centralia and a member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas, T.E.C. – Diocese of Belleville. Lola was a dedicated working woman and started her working career as a pharmacy technician at St. Mary’s Hospital from 1954-1964. She was a loyal employee of Warren G. Murray Center in Centralia from 1964, where she made lasting friendships with her co-workers until her retirement in 1991. Being an active lady, that truly loved people, Lola was grateful for the opportunity to work at the Colonial Golf Course in Sandoval during her retirement and was one of the golfer’s favorite helpers. She was beyond friendly and a joy to be with. Lola made many great memories with her “Bunco Babes” during their Bunco games. She was a dedicated sports fan making sure to cheer on her St. Louis Cardinals to victory, whether it be from the stands of Busch Stadium or from the comfort of her home. She had a passion for hockey, and the 2019 Stanley Cup Winners, the St. Louis Blues were her favorite team. Lola loved to yell out “Let’s Go Blues” to encourage the players on to a win. She also had a favorite travel destination and nothing brought more peace and contentment than when she could sink her toes into the beautiful, sandy beaches of Florida. Lola was kind, compassionate and an amazing listener. Her contagious spirit was full of light and joy and she brought happiness to everyone around her. Lola was a caring wife, a supportive mother, a proud grandmother, a giving sibling, and a true friend. Her passing leaves a space no one can fill but it also leaves a legacy of support, friendship, love and hope for future generations to carry on.

Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of Lola Friedrich with arrangements. A private celebration of life service will be held with the family. In memory of Lola’s love for animals, memorials may be made in Lola’s honor to Second Chance Rescue and will be accepted for Lola’s family at the funeral home. Online condolences and memories of Lola may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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