Tribute

A new day was dawning and the crickets were chirping a farewell song to this farm girl who passed away with her loving family surrounding her. Freeda was predeceased by her husband Walter in 1972. She is survived by her sister Maple, children Tom (Elsie), John (Marilyn), Pat, Allen (Maureen), Fred (Dawn), Lucy Stroomer (Tony), 22 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and two greatgreat-grandchildren.

Freeda was a “Riveting Rosie” for the Powell River Company during the second World War. It was here that she met her future husband. Several years after their marriage, Freeda and Walter purchased her parents’ homestead in Paradise Valley, where they raised their six children.

On the farm Mom felt very connected to the land, growing a wonderful vegetable garden, milking cows and riding

horses, all the while being a caring, loving mother to her children. She knew how to catch fish from the pond for a meal or how to bravely protect her family and livestock when she shot a marauding bear.

In her later years, she was the best grandmother a child could ask for. She read stories and baked pies with them and posted their art work on the fridge.

Mom had a great sense of humour, so she enjoyed people and easily made friends. She loved her companions at Evergreen Extended Care Unit and they cherished her. Staff at the extended care unit were very kind to her and we want to thank them so much for their compassion when caring for her. Mom loved you all.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 14 at 1 pm at Powell River United Church. Should you wish, please make a donation in her name to the charity of your choice.

Mom, we love you to bits and miss you greatly but you will always remain in our hearts. And yes, as you told us to be, we will be strong and we will be tender to each other in the days ahead.

God Bless, the family.