Arrita "Peri" Frantz

Arrita “Peri” Frantz, 77, of Peterborough, passed away peacefully at Rivermead, in Peterborough, NH on March 1, 2024, with her husband and children by her side. She was born on March 25, 1946, in Los Angeles, CA, the daughter of Robert and Malla (Wishman) Gordon.

Peri grew up in Berkeley, CA and graduated from Reed College in Portland, OR. After a brief stint as a chemist, she transitioned to computers and worked as a programmer for many years. She started her own business, Periwinkle Computer Consulting, and ended her career as a QA specialist and engineering manager at Apple Computer. Outside of work, Peri dedicated her time to the international community of people who explore, study, and protect caves. Every summer Peri would travel to caving events including trips to Europe, China, Botswana, and Malaysia, plus many road trips across the United States. While not underground, she was busy organizing many events including several national conventions and taking on many leadership roles including secretary/treasurer of the National Speleological Society which is active in the United States.

Peri is survived by her husband, Bill Frantz; her brother, Stuart Gordon; her sons Jefferson Frantz and Ethan Frantz; Daughter in-law Cortney Frantz; and two grandchildren Karl and Ariella Frantz.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Peri’s name to the National Speleological Society ( www.caves.org ).