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Jacqueline Freese Obituary
Freese
Naples, FL - May 30, 1926 - April 10, 2024
Jacqueline McNeilly "Jackie" Freese died peacefully Wednesday, Apr.10, 2024, surrounded by family at Arbor Glen in Naples, Florida just six weeks short of her 98th birthday.
She was the daughter of the late Matthew S. McNeilly and Doris H. McNeilly.
Jackie was a tour de force. You would typically find her in the leadership positions of the various communities she was involved in.
She graduated Brookline Massachusetts High School in 1944, where she was Secretary of her class, and was a member of the Brookline Cheerleading Squad. She was on the swim team, a passion that she kept throughout her life, including swimming at the family cottage on Lake Winnipesaukee Alton Bay, New Hampshire.
In 1948, she earned a BS in Sociology and Business from the University of New Hampshire, where she was a member of the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority.
It was on April 3 of that year when she married Dr. Donald Jackson "Jack" Freese. Jackie's UNH roommate was Jack's sister, Dorothy, who, when Jackie needed a date for a dance, set her up with her brother George. At the dance, Jack quickly realized that he fancied Jackie. A simple switch was the start of a seven-decade love affair.
Jack set up his dental practice in Concord, New Hampshire where they established their new family home. She served as President of the Junior Service League, the Concord Garden Club and the Concord Flower Mission. She also was elected to the Concord School Board, and was a Deacon of the South Congregational Church.
Jackie and Jack moved to Naples, Florida in 1988, and she embraced her new home with the much vigor. She served as an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Naples and as a Deacon at Naples UCC Congregational Church.
She had a very diverse set of interests. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed a game of tennis. She loved to cook for her family and was known for her "famous pecan rolls" and Christmas coffee cakes. Crosswords were always a passion.
She took up running and race walking at age 55 and competed in a variety of events including the 10k Bonnie Bell race in Boston with her daughter Jacqueline.
She sang in the Voices of Naples's Choir and enjoyed attending the Boston Symphony and Naples Philharmonic.
Jackie and Jack loved to travel and spend time with the family at the lake.
Jackie is survived by her son, Matthew; her daughters, Constance Matheson, Dorothy (David) Binswanger and Dr. Jacqueline Freese (Dr. Steve Bengtson) her son-in-law, Dr. Ted Hall; 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her Husband Jack and their son, Donald Jr.; their daughter, Judith Hall; their son-in-law, Tony Matheson; and their grandson Teddy Hall,
and brothers, Alvin McNeilly, Matthew McNeilly.
A celebration of her life will be held at The Top of the Pointe, Arbor Trace, 1001 Arbor Lake Drive, Naples, Florida. 34110, on Saturday, April 13, from 2:00 to 4:00.
A service will be held in New Hampshire at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Arbor Pointe Foundation, 1001 Arbor Lake Drive, Naples, Florida. 34110 and/or Naples United Church of Christ 5200 Clayton Road Naples, Florida 34103.
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Memories and Condolences
for Jacqueline Freese
Cindy Brown
September 4, 2024
Hello,
It's Cindy Brown. My parents were Earle and Velma Cook. I had a special relationship with Jackie. I tried to call her in July and when the phones were disconnected I assumed she must have passed away. Just today I thought of trying to find an obituary which brings me here. I don't seem to be able to find my emails with her famlly so I'm here expressing my condolences. She had a very full life and even while in Arbor Glen found fun and sweetness in her days. She was much loved by both of my parents and me.
Cindy
Elisabeth (Didi) Hyde
June 18, 2024
My deepest condolences to the whole family on the loss of their beautiful mother (which I just learned about). My memories of Jackie go back to early childhood, when she and my mother sat at the kitchen table yakking it up while Matty and I played. My mother used to give her perms (a "Toni") in our kitchen, and once they decided to give up cigarettes in favor of corncob pipes. I was lucky enough to visit her at the lake 5 or so years ago; her vibrant smile and generosity hadn't changed a bit. We kept in touch after that, and my last phone call was after we exchanged family Christmas cards this past January. I am sorry I didn't call her again before April. I know it is a huge loss for all of you and I send you my love, in honoring this remarkable woman.
Sylvia B. B Larsen
April 20, 2024
Our heartfelt condolences to you all. Jackie was a beautiful contributor to our Concord community and a true " tour de force". We send our deep sympathy , Sylvia and Bob Larsen
Bob Nerbonne
April 19, 2024
Dorothy and the Freese Family - sorry to read about your Mom. We had so many great times and memories at their house/farm growing up through the high school years. She was always so welcoming, even when we would get in a little trouble......... About 10 years ago I boarded a plane on a business trip, and had the fortunate opportunity to run into your mom and dad. Dr & Mrs Freese were the first people I saw entering the plane. It didn't take long to make a few trades in seating arrangements with other people so the 3 of us could sit together for about a 3 hour flight to FL. We had the greatest time laughing and talking about those high school year memories while we were growing up. They even told me a few stories that I never thought they knew about.........great time and many laughs. Sorry for your loss, but also glad you have many found memories.
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Scott Wells
April 17, 2024
Bridge night.
What a riot that was.
Condolences to the Freese clan.
She was a hot ticket.
Ken Jordan
April 14, 2024
My distinct pleasure to serve with Jackie on the Concord School Board from 1970 to 1974. I was a young upstart at the age of 27 but she treated me with respect as an equal. She was a delight to work with and was always a gracious and positive influence. Her husband, Jack, was my dentist from my earliest care to after high school. They were an admirable couple.
rebecca beaupre (Lufkin)
April 13, 2024
My condolences to the Freese Family, my parents were friends of the Freese´s in fact my dad helped Dr Freese on the farm
Kevin F. Lynch
April 13, 2024
Our condolences to the entire Freese family on the loss of their Mother, Jackie.
Kevin Lynch and Family
Thomas Strong
April 13, 2024
To the Freese family sorry for the loss of your mother she was a great lady and she will be gratefully missed.God bless her the strong family from concord NH.
Robin Rainie-Lobacz
April 13, 2024
To Jackie's Family,
I am so sad to hear of her passing. She was a good friend to me, and I visited her in Naples several times while I was living in Miami (~1999 photo attached). She and I spoke on the phone at various times to help each other process the losses of our children.
Growing up, she was the mother of my friend and a friend of my mother's. I have home movies of her and Jack, together with my parents. She was a strong and intelligent woman, whom I always admired.
Thinking of you all, as another fine example from the "great generation" passes on.
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