Lillian Sophia Rauch Frendzel

1932-2026

Lillian Sophia Rauch Frendzel, 93, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at her home.

Lillian was born on November 14, 1932, in Kozieglowy, Poland, to the late Hermann Rauch and Marie Amalie (Krüger) Rauch.

Her early life was shaped by the hardships of World War II, which forced her family to flee Poland and resettle in Germany before immigrating to the United States through Ellis Island. They eventually made their home in Pitcairn, Pa. It was there she met her future husband, Donald “Don” Frendzel, during one of his visits home from the Air Force. The two stayed in touch through letters and were married on April 2, 1955.

Lillian was known for her energetic spirit and strong work ethic. She held many positions in the customer service industry such as an agent with American Airlines, a volunteer with the “Welcome Wagon,” greeting newcomers to the community, and assistant resident manager of a condominium complex.

In 1976, she and Don moved to Berkeley Springs where they managed a small grocery and gas station – Don and Lil’s. A highlight of working at the store was the day President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, stopped by on their way through Berkeley Springs.

After selling the business in 1988, Lillian worked as a hostess and waitress at Coolfont Resort and Cacapon State Park.

Lillian will be remembered most for the deep love and generosity towards her family and friends, always putting others before herself. She took great pride in her home and had many interests. She loved to garden and read. She was also an exceptional cook and baker and expressed her love through the meals and treats she lovingly prepared.

She was a member of Union Chapel United Methodist Church and throughout her active years sang in the choir and participated in a Bible study group.

Lillian is survived by her daughter, Christina Marie Frendzel Twigg (Henry), and her son, Terrence Carl Frendzel (Christy) of Berkeley Springs, six grandchildren, Brandon Christopher Twigg (Rachel) of Morgantown, W.Va., Justin Henry Twigg (Cynthia) of Fort Worth, Texas, Aaron James Twigg (Rachel) of Suffolk, Va., Nicholas Garrett Frendzel (Kendall) and Michael Anthony Twigg of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., eight great-grandchildren, Ayden, Merryn, Ariana, Claire, Evelyn, James, Mila, and Thomas, one nephew, James Balson, and two nieces, Renee Balson and Lisa Ellis.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald James Frendzel, one sister, Erna Balson, one granddaughter, Jennifer Marie Twigg, and one niece, Lila Balson.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Union Chapel United Methodist Church, 10123 Valley Road, Berkeley Springs, W.Va., with Rev. Michael Leedom officiating. Interment will be at Union Chapel Church Cemetery, with a luncheon to follow. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, WV.