In 1904, she was diagnosed with tuberculosis and found it increasingly difficult to paint, so Fritz designed a special easel that allowed her to work lying down. In 1905 they moved to Vegesack (now part of Bremen). From 1908 to 1909, her condition worsened and she had to stay at a sanatorium in Davos. Shortly after she was released, Fritz died suddenly of a stroke, aged only 39.
