Gisela Margarete Frothingham

Gisela Frothingham passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on December 3, 2025, in Summerville, South Carolina.

Gisela was born on February 7, 1936. She was raised in Germany, the youngest of two children of her parents Oskar and Helene Rödel. She was educated in Germany and later worked as a Dental Assistant and a Secretary/Switchboard Operator in Langerkopf, Germany. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1984 from Rutledge College, Charleston, South Carolina, where she earned her Associates in Applied Science Degree with a major in Medical Administrative Assistant.

She met and married Walter J. Frothingham in Germany and became an Air Force wife. She moved with her family to various locations, including New York, Hawaii, South Carolina, Texas and back to South Carolina settling in Summerville, South Carolina.

Gisela had numerous interests and hobbies. She loved to work in her yard which she called her personal park. This hobby earned her the “CB” handle of “Grasshopper”. She enjoyed playing piano when she could and was able to read sheet music and could also play by ear. When she wasn’t working in her yard, she would either be “cooking up a storm” in the kitchen or fulfilling her need to learn by reading the numerous books she had in her personal library.

She is survived by her son Walter S. Frothingham of Summerville, South Carolina; her daughter Sylvia Christiansen of DeLand, Florida; granddaughter Lauren M. Christiansen of DeLand, Florida; granddaughter Kaitlyn M. Christiansen of Ponte Vedra, Florida; grandson Steven Isaacson of Healy, Alaska; great granddaughter Jude of Ponte Vedra, Florida; great granddaughters Avery, Rylie and Hanna of DeLand, Florida; great-grandson Brock and great granddaughter Starla of Healy, Alaska.

Gisela was preceded in death by her husband Walter J. Frothingham and daughter, Sharon M. Isaacson. Her parents Oskar and Helene Rödel, and her sister Matilda.

Per her wishes, there are no plans for a memorial service at this time. Arrangements were entrusted to Palmetto Cremation Society.

The family extends their gratitude to Low Country Community Hospice of Summerville, S.C. for their dedicated and compassionate care provided to Gisela.