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Mary Louise Freeman Obituary

Published by O'Donnell Funeral Home, Inc. on Oct. 15, 2017.

Mary Louise Freeman, Age 97, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 15, 2017 at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac, Indiana. Mary Louise was born on December 7, 1919 in Knox, Indiana to Chester and Ermal Pettis. Mary Louise graduated from Knox High School, Class of 1937. Following graduation, she worked as a secretary at Taitel's Garment Factory in Knox for several years. She married Herbert E. Freeman of Winamac on September 13, 1940. When Herb enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943, Mary Louise followed him to Phoenix, Arizona where he was undergoing his advanced training at Luke Field, and got a job as a secretary on base. At the end of the war, she returned home to Knox and awaited Herb's discharge. Several years later, Mary Louise and Herb moved to North Judson and bought Modern Chevrolet from Roy Eichstadt and together they ran that business until their retirement in 1984. In particular, she was the unofficial "social coordinator" during each and every new car model show for their entire career. Mary Louise was active in the community, had many friends and was a member of Eastern Star and the American Legion Auxiliary. She loved being with friends and family, entertaining, rooting for NJSPHS basketball, playing cribbage and traveling. Mary Louise will be remembered by those who knew her for her graciousness, kindness and warm heart. She is survived by her son Anthony Freeman of Everett, Washington. She was preceded in death by her sister Eileen, her parents and her husband of very nearly 72 years, Herb. Per Mary Louise's and Herb's wishes, an American Legion graveside service will be held at Highland Cemetery in North Judson on November 4, 2017 at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, friends may express condolences via memorial contributions to the North Judson San Pierre High School Athletic Department or the Starke County Historical Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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3 Entries

December 15, 2017

Daughter

Barbara Freeman

My Dad passed away in June and in July after his memorial, we flew to Indiana to visit with Mary Louise, my Mother-in-law. As always, she looked so nice and had a big smile for us. She always talked about how she and Herb were so happy together and how happy she was that Wayne and I had found each other. She told us that Herb visited her often! (Herb passed away in September 2012.)

Mary Louise was so kind to me and welcomed me into the family with much love. One of her biggest joys was seeing Wayne and I happy together, just like she and Herb were. She was a people person and always wanted to led a hand at helping you do anything. She loved to talk to people and was quite the social butterfly. She was a very good cook and made the best muffins, among other things! She taught her son well and made sure he gave women the respect they deserved. She and Herb were still so much in love and were such a role model for a great relationship and marriage. I know they are together again!

I'm sending my love to you, Mary Louise, on your next journey. You will be missed!

Posted by Barbara Freeman

November 3, 2017

Family

Jea Stephens

Mary Louise was a continual influence throughout my life. Her husband, Herb Freeman, was my dad's brother. They spent many holidays with my family while I was growing up in Indiana. After my father passed away in 1979 and my mother 10 years late in 1989, Herb and Mary became my surrogate parents. They could always be counted on for their love and support and we continued to get together for holidays, either in my homes in Indiana and Michigan, or later as travel became more of an issue, somewhere in-between Kalamazoo, Michigan and North Judson. They were long-time residents of the North Judson community contributing to many great causes and loved and respected by friends and neighbors.

Herb and Mary Louise's love and devotion to each other was sweet, sincere and everlasting.

Mary Louise was a wonderful cook and many of my best recipes came from her, including honey pecan pie, overnight french toast, bran muffins, cheesecake cupcakes, seafoam salad and many more tasty goodies.

Heaven is welcoming another angel into the fold. Herb will be rejoicing to once again be reunited with his love of a lifetime.

Jean Freeman Stephens

November 3, 2017

Friend

Kay Croyle

Dear Tony and Barbara,
Paul and I are presently in Florida and are so sorry we are unable to attend the graveside services for Mary Louise. She and Herb were such good friends and neighbors for so many years, and we loved them both very much. We always knew if we ever needed or wanted anything and they could help us, they would do so gladly. And we would do the same for them. We have many fond memories of them, and we are so sorry for your loss. Our love to both of you,

Kay and Paul Croyle

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O'Donnell Funeral Home, Inc.

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