Fredrica M. Sloan

1937 - 2025

The daughter of Barbara and David McLelland, Fredrica was born on July 29, 1937, and raised in North Adams. She passed away May 8, 2025, at her home in Williamstown.

Fredrica graduated from Drury High School in 1955. She graduated from the University of Wyoming having majored in Education with a B.A. in 1959. From 1960 until 1967 she taught grades kindergarten and first grade in various elementary schools in Wallingford, Connecticut. She received a Master's degree in Education from Southern Connecticut State College (now University) in 1970. In 1982 she received a Master of Social Work from New York University.

From 1982 until 1986, she worked providing services to individuals with addictions in Brooklyn, NY and Yorktown Heights, NY. She returned to the Berkshires in 1986 and settled in Williamstown where she lived until her passing.

In 1987, she began work at SweetBrook Nursing Home where she was instrumental in creating the first dedicated unit to care for individuals with Alzheimer's and related dementias. She retired as Director of Social Work from SweetBrook in 2003.

In retirement, Fredrica audited classes in Music, Art and Political Science at Williams College. She attended many arts performances in Williamstown, Pittsfield, Stockbridge and Becket. Fredrica enjoyed all manner of hand work, drawing, painting, embroidery, needlepoint and knitting. Her sewing machine produced creations and costumes as well as original Covid masks.

She leaves a son, Scott Schirmeier, daughter-in-law, Catherine, grandchildren Benjamin and Cooper of Chevy Chase, Maryland; a daughter Elizabeth O'Brien, son-in-law, Brendan and granddaughter Clare of New Canaan, Connecticut. A son, Mark Andrew Grover, predeceased her in 2009.

The family wishes to thank the staffs of Hospice of Northern Berkshire, Elder Services of Berkshire County, and Mountain View Home Care for the care they provided to Fredrica. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting Hospice of Northern Berkshire or the Alzheimer's Association.