Margie Freeman, age 51, of Ferndale, WA passed away on June 26, 2016. Margie was born to Judson D. ("Mike") and Joan (Hilton) Cates in Marysville, WA on November 14, 1964. She graduated from Marysville-Pilchuck High School in 1983 and earned her B.A. in English and Certificate in Education from Whitman College and her M.A. from WWU. Margie married Ray Freeman on May 14, 1990 in Bellingham. She loved teaching English at Bellingham High School and her students and subject matter were her passion. As a lifetime learner, Margie was inquisitive, extremely well-read, and had many interests. Margie was a devoted wife and mom and her sons Tate and Ian were the light of her life. She openly cherished all of her friendships, of which she had many. Margie was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Ray, sons Tate and Ian, sisters Mary Ellen (Andy) Barkley of Manhattan, KS and Sarah Cates (Pedro Nunez) of Kirkland, WA, and many loving relatives and friends. A Service of Remembrance will be held at 1 PM on Wednesday, July 6th at the Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Rd. in Ferndale. You may share your memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.
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too soon
garth a russ
School
January 18, 2022
To the Freeman Family,
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Margie was wonderful and it was a privilege to work with her. She was an excellent teacher and I could always tell how much she loved you, her family. I will miss her.
Steve Chronister
July 13, 2016
My prayers are with you, Ian and Tate. Margie was a very sweet woman and will be missed.
Natali Asplund
July 11, 2016
Sorry for your loss, I knew her from school days. She was always a pleasure to meet during those days. Good bless, the world needs more like her
Lee Mcgarr
July 10, 2016
Sorry for your loss, I knew her from school days. She was always a pleasure to meet during those days. Good bless, the world needs more like her
Lee Mcgarr
July 10, 2016
Ray and family,
We all were so sorry to hear of Margie's passing. Our hearts go out to all of you, and if we can do anything please don't hesitate. You are a very special person, Ray, and you will be in our prayers.
Brian Burton
July 9, 2016
Ray and family,
So very sorry to hear about your wife! Love knows no boundaries. While Margie is no longer physically with you, her spirit is always around you and your boys. My deepest condolences.
Carolyn Kimbrough
July 8, 2016
Ray, my heart aches for you and your boys. Please know that we're thinking of you during your time of grief.
Brenda Bowles
July 8, 2016
Dear Freeman family,
I was so saddened to hear of your loss. Margie was a wonderful teacher and a treasured colleague at BHS. My thoughts are with you during this time. Margie will be sincerely missed.
Teri Grimes
July 7, 2016
Ray, Tate and Ian, Kevin (Varsity tennis FHS) and I are at a loss for words and can not express our feelings for the sudden loss you have encounteted. Life is short, the road to understanding of a loss is long and hard. But, you have family, friends and others there to help you. Our thoughts are with you all!
Kim & Kevin de Koekkoek/Rietveld
July 6, 2016
To the dearest family Ray, Tate and Ian,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have you in my thoughts and prayers to get you through this difficult time. Ray you helped me and my family when my middle daughter was in middle school. Her name is Rebecca McDonough. I wish I could do something to help you all through this difficult time. Please know that you and your family are a blessing to this world, that you and your family have done so much for so many. All that you have done is priceless. If there is anything that any of us can do for you and your family all you need to do ask. Love and prayers. Robin Heller. 306 2394
Robin Heller
July 6, 2016
Ray,
Sorry to hear about Margie. I wish you and the boys to be strong and will be thinking of you during this time. My best
Laura Dick
Acquaintance
July 6, 2016
Dear Ray and boys,
We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Our prayers surround you now, and in the days and weeks ahead.
Ray, you have always been so caring as a teacher and our girls remember you and your family fondly.
In friendship,
The Harts,
Charlotte & Chris
Shelby and Madison
Charlotte Hart
July 6, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you Mr. Freeman and your family.❤
Mardana Hay
July 6, 2016
Ray, Family, and Friends,
I'm deeply saddened at your tremendous loss and my heart goes out to all of you. I dealt with this same thing with my brother in 2001 and there are no words that seem to help. Hold your head up and stay close to those you love. All my best wishes as you try to cope and heal.
Your friend,
Steve Radke
Steve Radke
July 6, 2016
Mrs Freeman was one of my favourite teachers at BHS, she always made sure that I understood completely and offered her help no matter how busy she was. I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss, I was heartbroken when I heard the news. My prayers go to your family in this hard time.
Amanda Willett
July 5, 2016
Praying for your family in this time of sorrow. May she rest in peace.
Paula Hubbard Estabrook
July 5, 2016
So so sorry Heart Breaking to your family. Our family is thinking of yours.
Kina, Zoe, Lexi Dodge Family
July 5, 2016
Ray, Tate, and Ian,
Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time. Much love to you all.
John, Jennifer, Brandon, and Josh Bock
July 5, 2016
My heart goes out to the family. I remember watching Mr. Freeman and Ms. Cates (Freeman) dance at Vista Middle school dance after getting married. Mr. Freeman, you've been one of the biggest influences in my life, and I'm sorry I cannot come to town to support you and your boys. Mrs. Freeman was a beautiful spirit and I'll always remember her smile. Condolences and lots of love from my family to you.
Taryn Joshua
July 5, 2016
Margie and I went to school together and rode horses and she always made me laugh! I will miss her greatly, i only hope she knew how many of us loved her
Mardee Davis
July 5, 2016
Ray, Tate and Ian,
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and will do anything to help now or later. Ray, you've always been a true friend and my heart aches for all of you.
Trish Brown
July 5, 2016
To Ray and the young Freemans,
I am so sorry to hear about Margie's passing. Please know that many of people and I are thinking of you.
I heard the news framed as, "my daughter's favorite teacher...," a phrase that will no doubt be heard often.
Strength and love to you and yours at this difficult time.
Erik Thomas
July 3, 2016
Mrs. Freeman was my high school English teacher, freshman year at BHS (Class of '98). She was awesome and my heart goes out to her family and friends for their loss.
Stacey Maxwell (Pike)
July 1, 2016
So sad to hear of Margie's passing. My heart goes out to your family.
Jill (Whitehead) Andrews
July 1, 2016
I am deeply saddened by Margie's passing. We grieve with you and the boys during this difficult time. Ray, you are deeply loved and we are here to support you and the boys through this season of life.
Alanna Black
July 1, 2016
On my first day of 7th grade, I made an impression on Mrs. Freeman. She introduced herself while writing her name on the board and was talking about the course (English/speaking skills?) when she concluded by saying that we would have homework every day of the week. Quite shockingly to not only her, but also to myself I muttered "that sucks." She looked at me wide eyed and asked me to repeat myself, which I sheepishly did, then proceeded to explain that I was a big boy now and that big boys needed to work hard. It might have been the shade of violet that I turned, but instead of making an example or disciplining me, she turned it into a positive message that got the class laughing while also getting the point across. I really enjoyed the classes that I had with Mrs. Freeman and although her first impression of me wasn't so hot, the impact, respect, admiration and impression she left upon me will never be forgotten nor will she. I was terribly saddened upon hearing of Mrs. Freemans passing and my thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences go out to her family and friends.
Robert Wilson
June 30, 2016
i hadnt seen Margie in several years but my heart still breaks.
Mardee Davis
June 30, 2016
Our hearts ache for your family as you deal with this loss. Please know that we will keep all of you in our prayers. May God grant you all the peace and comfort in knowing Margie now rests in the arms of God. No more pain. No more worries. God bless you all Freeman family.
Elsa & Donny Finkbonner
June 30, 2016
Thought'she of healing and hope to the Entire Freeman Family. She was an inspiration!
Cheri Western
June 30, 2016
Margie will be forever remembered for her kindness and caring as a teacher.
Brea McDonald
June 30, 2016
I am so very sorry for your loss. May "the God of all comfort" help you during this difficult time. (1 Cor. 1:3,4)
June 30, 2016
Margie Freeman was an inspirational and wonderful woman and teacher. She taught with excellence and always wore a smile on her face, along with her signature sleeveless jackets.
I got to know Margie well, I wasn't a good student but she saw past that and we related on a different level that wasn't school.
I send the Freeman family love and support in this difficult time.
Holly Marroquin
June 30, 2016
I'm so saddened and sorry for the loss of your wife, Ray, and your sons' mother. She was also one of my grandson's teachers last year and showed such a great spirit and love for her students, as you did at Vista. You were such a support person for me when I was at Vista and grieving the loss of my two sons. Please reach out and don't hesitate to ask for prayers, support, etc. during this time. Although it is and will be painful for some time, God will be there with you and your sons. I admire you so much, Ray, as a teacher, father, husband and person and thankful that your sons will continue to have your support. I will be out of town at the time of the service but my prayers are with you.
Beverly Salisbury
June 30, 2016
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