When you meet Cézanne Fritz you are struck by her energy, enthusiasm, and joy for life. “Call me ‘Zizi,’” she says, shaking your hand warmly. It’s as if you’ve met an old friend.

As she welcomes you into her home, your first thought is: Africa. You note the palm trees and tribal art in every corner; the giant pachyderm painted on rich, heavy wood; the leopard-skin patterned carpet running the length of her stairs. But then you look closer and see: Creativity.

by Janie Johns photo
by Kyle Zimmerman

“Isn’t this fun?” she asks, pointing to a collection of miniature chairs mounted on what might have been an uninteresting wall. “I’ve really enjoyed creating this living space—my home, my garden—watching it evolve.”

In fact, creativity is one of the key motivators for Zizi in her work

“Compassion, creativity, the ability to truly help others—these are some of the things that I love about my work,” she says.

As Market General Manager for Alderwoods Group, Inc., a U.S.-based funeral services corporation, Zizi is one of a handful of women in the funeral services industry who are serving at the regional management level.

“It may seem at first to be an unusual career choice for a woman,” she says, “But in truth, I think that being a woman is advantageous in this business.”

Zizi manages 14 funeral homes and cemeteries in New Mexico and El Paso, Texas, and serves as General Manager of two Albuquerque mortuaries, Strong-Thorne Mortuary and Fitzgerald & Son Funeral Directors (each operates independently). In fact, Zizi’s connection with these companies extends beyond the professional; she counts both as part of her family’s history.

Zizi’s great-great grandfather, O.W. Strong, and his brother, Henry, founded Strong-Thorne. “According to the family story,” she says, “my great-great grandfather and great-great uncle were heading west in 1878 when their wagon broke down at Second and Copper in Albuquerque. For whatever reason, they decided to stay.”

The brothers set up shop as furniture and crockery makers, and, as did most furniture makers of that era, they also built coffins. Over time they extended their offerings to include an ambulance service and funeral home. “The horses that pulled the ambulance where white,” Zizi notes, “and the horses that pulled the hearse were black.” As their company grew over three more generations, they focused on mortuary services.

When Zizi’s grandfather, Oren, became ill, her mother, Sandra Strong-Fitzgerald, stepped into a leadership position. Under her direction, the business prospered.

“My mother became very active in the funeral services industry,” she says. “She served as President of the International Order of the Golden Rule, a professional organization for funeral directors. Over the years she worked hard to bring opportunities to women, especially through education.

“For many years my mother served as a consultant to women owners of family-run businesses,” she continues. “Typically it was the husband who ran the business. When a husband died, my mother would help the woman analyze her business and assess her options: Should she keep her business running? Sell it? My mother helped open a lot of doors by teaching women to become active owners.”

And what is Zizi’s personal connection to Fitzgerald & Son?

“Well, ironically” she says, “years later, after her divorce, my mother married Ed Fitzgerald—her competitor!” Hence Zizi’s family ties to both companies.

Today, Zizi is a fifth-generation operator of Strong-Thorne, and even though it was sold to the Alderwoods Group in 1988, the company has remained under continuous family operation.

“It’s like the best of both worlds,” she says. “Operating under Alderwoods is like running the family company—only better.” In Zizi’s opinion, the larger firms can offer employees opportunities for growth that often aren’t possible in smaller, family-run businesses. She cites Alderwoods’s employee-developed values statement: Integrity, Teamwork, Communication, Compassion, and, of course, Creativity.

So how does creativity play a role in what many would consider a highly-traditional industry?

“Funerals are changing,” says Zizi. “This is largely because families are changing.” Zizi cites blended families of mixed heritages and religions, non-traditional families, and our transient society as factors that have necessitated a broader definition of what a funeral or memorial service might be. “One of the most important services we can provide families is to assist them in designing funerals and memorial services that fit their needs as well as the desires of the family member who has died.” And often those needs and desires do not fit what—until now—has been considered standard.

“Alderwoods’ vision is that we use imagination and leadership to exceed customer expectations,” Zizi explains. “That vision exemplifies how the industry is changing. In fact, we’ve been seeing a real shift these past few years as families take a larger, more direct role in planning. They are creating the events that celebrate the lives of their loved ones.”

It is the celebration of life that forms the core of Zizi’s passion for her work. It also is the force that creates the greatest healing for families who have lost loved ones.

“Families have done many special yet unusual things to honor those they love,” she says. “For example, we’ve had venues with Harley-Davidson motorcycles on Astroturf; gardening paraphernalia; fishing gear; handmade quilts; and even a casket supported by bales of hay. The family topped it with a saddle in lieu of flowers.”

And let’s not forget the Spider-Man memorabilia collector who filled the chapel with all things “Spidey.”

“Actually,” says Zizi, “The Spidey guy is a Strong-Thorne employee. As part of our company training, we invite each staff member to plan, and then participate in, their own funeral venue. It has proved to be one of the most important, and in some cases life changing, components of staff education. Going through the process of planning our own funerals can foster greater compassion—and imagination—both of which are important to offer our clients during difficult times.”

Compassion is a hallmark of the industry, and Zizi is proud that her company is the only funeral service provider in Albuquerque to sponsor bereavement counseling groups. The groups are divided into a seniors group (for those 55 and over), an “under 55” group, and a group for parents who have lost children. Groups are open to anyone who may need bereavement counseling. If you would like to join a group, call (505) 842-8800 for more information.

Not only is compassion a focus of Zizi’s profession, but also it is an integral part of her life. In July she will begin her one-year term as president of the Rotary Club of Albuquerque. It’s a position she values highly as she will become the first fourth-generation president in Rotary Interna-tional’s history.

“It’s a tremendous honor, but also a responsibility,” Zizi says. “The Rotary International motto is ‘Service Above Self.’ I’m proud to be a member of an organization whose primary focus is serving others.”

Zizi has had much experience in community service. She has served on the boards of the Presbyterian Healthcare Founda-tion, the Mid-Rio Grande American Red Cross, the Literacy Center of Albuquerque, and others.

In late June, Zizi returned from Australia where she attended this year’s Annual Rotary International Conference. While there, she hopped over to New Zealand and did some great scuba diving along the Great Barrier Reef.

“Life is an adventure!” she says, “an adventure truly worth celebrating.”

Strong-Thorne Mortuary
1100 Coal S.E.
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106
(505) 842-8800

Fitzgerald & Son
3113 Carlisle N.E.
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
(505) 884-1188

10 Reasons Why You Should
PRE-Plan Your Own Funeral
1) You will die one day. Really.
2) Who can know what you want if you don’t tell them?
3) It’s not hard to do.
4) All you need is a pencil and paper
5) It doesn’t cost anything.
6) Are you single? All the more reason.
7) Your death will be hard for your family and friends.
8) Pre-planning makes it easier.
9) Your family and friends will thank you.
10) Help them celebrate your life!

Three Ways To Plan For Your Death
a) Pre-plan Your Own Funeral.
Pre-plan with your family, if appropriate. Discover the options that may be available in the event of your death. Visit a few funeral homes and pick up their brochures and price lists. Get free info from the New Mexico Funeral Consumers Alliance or www. funerals.org. Think about funerals and memorial services you’ve liked and haven’t liked. Talk to your family members and friends. Ask what they feel or would want. Decide what is right for you. Write your wishes down on paper. Be sure to include notes about any photos or memorabilia you might want at your service. Keep the paper with your important documents and let your family know where those documents are stored. (New Mexico law states there is a statutory duty to comply with your written wishes.)

b) Maintain Critical Records.
Keep all of your vital records up to date and in a safe place. Tell your family where your records are kept. To know what information to include, ask for free estate planning guides from your financial advisor or funeral home. Or check out books such as Everything Your Heirs Need To Know by David S. Magee (it’s a workbook with pockets and checklists) and Life Planning in New Mexico by Merri Rudd.

c) Pre-Pay Your Own Funeral.
Visit several different funeral homes and speak with their family services representatives. Be sure to shop around and understand all the terms of any contract. Contact the New Mexico Funeral Consumers Alliance for information. Decide what you want and can afford. Keep good records, and let your family know where those records are stored.

Janie Johns is a writer living in New Mexico who has pre-planned (but not pre-paid) her own funeral. She can be reached through her Web site at www.itseasytodo.com.

Transitions
By Marilyn J. Walker, Ph.D.

The dream of civilized parents everywhere is for their children to undergo a transition from babyhood to happy, healthy, productive adulthood. Numerous changes from one state of being to another along the way can be gratifying and even joyful.

Remember when you got your driver’s license and had to know and obey traffic laws, pay for insurance, maintain the vehicle, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs? When you graduated from high school or college, you had to find a job or money to continue toward another degree. When you got married – you had to learn to communicate, compromise, provide or manage an income and run a household. Becoming a parent, starting a business, and moving are other significant transitions.

Congratulations if you have succeeded in any of the above. However, it is rare indeed for anyone’s life to unfold as expected, with orderly, planned-for changes. Most of us find that our plans don’t work out, and we have to adjust to disappointment, betrayal, failure, etc. It is wise to always keep a secondary plan in mind if the first one fails.

Not-so-happy transitions are often thrust upon us. Have you been orphaned, widowed, divorced, lost a job, sued, robbed, assaulted, or had an embarrassing secret exposed? Catastrophic or painful events can cause a transition from optimistic to bitter, physically healthy to handicapped, or financially secure to insecure. Since no one is immune to negative happenings, we all need a philosophy of life that can sustain us through difficult times. It matters what you think, and especially how you think. “Think positive” is easier said than done, but positive transitions depend on doing just that.

In addition to a positive attitude and introspection, excellent lessons come from outside ourselves. There are countless inspiring examples of people who have successfully handled difficult transitions of all kinds: the elderly who are generous, warm, and seldom complain; the disabled who have good humor and a positive outlook; and poor people who find happiness in the midst of poverty.

Two most commonly fantasized transitions are wishing to move from poor or average to wealthy – by winning the lottery, marrying rich, or inheriting a bundle. A change of attitude considerably increases the probability of moving up the economic ladder.

The same is true for moving from lonely to loved. Kindly involving oneself with children guarantees love. Romantic love is more difficult. Mistaking sex for love can land one in a heap of misery, as will assuming that you’ll get what you give. There are many peoplewho look for innocence to exploit. Once burned, though, learn from the experience and set higher standards for a relationship that include each one caring about the long-term welfare of the other.

Some unwanted transitions can sneak up on us. A social drinker can become a drug user or addict. Striving to look like a model can result in bulimia or anorexia. Eating without thinking may cause overweight and associated problems. Innocently repeating rumors may lead to becoming a malicious gossiper. Shading the truth may lead to earning yourself the reputation of a liar. Eagerly wanting to add your two cents to any conversation makes you a know-it-all.

The remedy for such unwanted transitions is to first decide you want to be healthier and enjoy a more favorable reputation. There are numerous self-help books, support groups, churches, and probably friends or relatives who can help in some way. The most essential factors, though, are being honest with yourself and then making a determined commitment to your own well-being.

Inevitable transitions such as birthdays are milestones that remind us about getting older. How we deal with aging depends a great deal on a practical outlook. We get older and – usually – wiser. Those we wish would listen to us too often will not (loved ones, legislators): still there are many who will listen to you, profit from your knowledge, and even love you for sharing it. Write a paper or book; volunteer at a school, jail, or other community facility.

Another inevitability is declining health. Whether this happens to you while young or very old, fast or slow, it will happen. As it occurs, count up the things you can still do; don’t focus on what you can’t do. You and those around you will be much more content that way.

Still another inevitability is, unfortunately, death. Documenting your wishes about assets and funeral arrangements gives some peace of mind. The greater question of mortal to spiritual realm requires paying attention to whatever inspired – holy – books you deem most significant, and to ponder what you should do in this life to prepare for the next.

Bringing about desired transitions requires making decisions. Big goals – becoming a doctor, accountant, basketball pro, artist, musician, business owner, etc. depends on taking teensy steps. That means setting teensy goals – doing your homework, turning it in, filling out applications, practicing, studying and learning from mistakes, then trying again.

About one-third of all young people who achieve a particular career or kind of job change their minds during their 30’s. One of the most important mind-sets we can carry with us is reserving the right to change our minds. Life experience often yields a different perspective and realization of new opportunities.

Relationships with family, friends and co-workers usually can be drastically improved. Transitions from competitive to cooperative; resentful to understanding; or hurtful to helpful require setting goals. Opening one’s mind and heart to listen to others thoughtfully, without pre-judgement, is one of the most important goals. This takes continuous practice. When you want understanding, whom do you seek out? Is it someone who loads you up with opinions and advice, or someone who listens to you? We are all pretty much the same in that regard.

Making a transition from one routine or habit to another in order to pursue an appealing new goal can be satisfying and deeply rewarding. So sit down, decide what transitions you want to make, and write down the first teensy goals to accomplish. And behold, you’ve taken the first step. Good luck.

From My Desk
by Jackie Grommes shown with
her grandaughter Ally

Transitions

The past two years of my life have been about transitions of monumental proportions. I was still learning to live with the “empty nest syndrome” when my beloved parents passed away within a year of each other. During the same two-year period, my older

sister came to live with us, I turned 50, celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary, and became a first-time grandmother. How’s that for a few transitions! The next big turning point however, is one of my own making.

My husband and I are leaving New Mexico for a slower pace of life in a rural community where we have five acres of land waiting for us to build our dream home. My husband will continue his contracting, and my cousin and I are eventually going to open a small country store. This has been a life-long dream for me, but I’ll be leaving my family at New Mexico WOMAN, and that will be one of the saddest parts of moving. I have often wondered how I could have gotten through the drama that has been my life without the love and support of the women here on staff that I have come to count on.

As readers of this magazine we have “met” many women who manage their businesses with intelligence as well as heart. About five years ago I decided I wanted to try being my own boss. One of my mentors, Maggie Seeley, helped me “Jump Start” out on my own through her seminar of the same name. Flush with motivation and empowerment, I decorated my home office with the Feng Shui principals I had learned, framed my newly created vision statement, and hung out my bookkeeping shingle. Through referrals from one woman business owner to another, I had clients. I learned that first year through trial and error what “fit” for me and what didn’t, and along that path I came to New Mexico WOMAN.

I discovered Jill Duval at the helm of this amazing operation. I wondered how she and this small group of eclectic women could produce such a beautiful monthly magazine and annual women’s yellow pages. It didn’t take long for me to know I had aligned myself with a remarkable woman who would help me fly. Along the way I became the “Assistant to the Publisher” which, as it sounds, encompasses all things great and small, but set in motion a four-year journey for me. Working at the magazine I found resources for everything from grief counseling to car insurance. But it has always been the women I work with who have been my greatest resource, and they are what I will miss the most.

The universe has its plan for us, and I am very grateful that New Mexico WOMAN was part of my plan. I hope you’ll continue to support our mission, which turns out to be in part about providing women a safe and nurturing place to transition through life.

Jackie Grommes