Frieda M. Athans, 85, of New Milford, formerly of Danbury, wife of the late Donald H. Athans, died May 16. She was born in Orange, N.J., March 29, 1930, and was a daughter of the late John and Stella (Ganim) Maroun.

A son, David D. Athans of Sandy Hook; a daughter, Sandra Butler of Ramona, Calif.; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews survive Mrs Athans. In addition to her parents and husband, two sisters, Ellie R. Gerchak and Janet Villani Swan, and two brothers, Frederick J. Maroun and Joseph H. Bargolla predeceased her.

She attended New Jersey schools and graduated from the Norwalk Hospital School of Nursing. She was employed with the Bard-Parker Corporation, a division of Becton-Dickinson, and later volunteered at the Danbury Hospital while serving as a counselor at the Christian Counseling Center.

She was a member of St Joseph Catholic Church of Danbury.

The family will receive friends in the Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9-11 Granville Avenue, Danbury, Wednesday, May 20, from 5 to 8 pm, with a wake service at 7 pm, conducted by Fr David W. Franklin, Parochial Vicar of St Joseph Parish, Danbury. Graveside funeral services and burial will take place in St Peter Cemetery, Danbury, at the direction of the family.