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Barbarajean W. Freeman

Barbarajean Freeman Obituary

Of Brighton, Fri., Feb. 9. Devoted mother of Rev. Leslie K. Sterling. Beloved sister of Elmer Washington. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral Service Tues., Feb. 13, 11 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 1991 Massachusetts Ave. (Porter Sq.) Cambridge. Visiting hour at the Church Tues. 10-11 a.m. Relatives and friends most kindly invited. Interment private. In lieu of flowers please make donations in her name to the Epiphany School, 154 Centre St., Dorchester MA 02124. A.J. Spears Funeral Home Cambridge, MA 617-876-4047

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Published by Boston Globe on Feb. 12, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbarajean Freeman

Sponsored by anonymous.

16 Entries

June 6, 2015

I went to Suffolk Downs today mommy and placed three bets on American Pharoah so we could watch the Belmont together. SO exciting to see another Triple Crown winner in my lifetime!

But there will never be another Secretariat.

cheryl strawder

April 18, 2007

It's taken me awhile to write this. I knew it would be very mushy and way too long. But here it is: The Epistle of Auntie Jean.

My Auntie made me feel special and beautiful and very smart. She helped me have confidence that I could have anything I was willing to work for. That encouragement, exhortation and emotional support continued from me to Nicki and down to Paige. Having grown up in the house with her and Leslie, she is a huge part of my earliest and very best childhood memories. She always included me whenver she took Leslie to see ALL the Disney movies, the circus, Ice Capades, parades...so many events that I can't name them all.

Only after becoming a parent and learning how important prioties are when it comes to raising children; and learning how many shortcomings I had, and still have, in setting those priorties properly, have I come to realize that Auntie Jean had it right. She spent TIME with Leslie and with me.

There are so many funny stories about the DRAMA (literally) that Les Boo and I produced, and that Auntie Jean, Mama, Daddy, Nanny and Big Daddy applauded! We were something else! True Drama Queens! Maybe God was preparing us to be the preachers we are today, huh? A little drama with the sermon keeps the congregation awake!

I thank God for the foundation we have as a family. With every bit of drama and weirdness, I have the knowing that we come from a lineage of strength and love.

Thank you God for letting us have Auntie for almost 70 years. Thank you God for her spirit of generosity and honesty that will remain forever. Thank you God for Leslie. There is nobody I know of that I respect more

Love,
Cheryl Johnson Strawder
"Fuzzy Cuzzy Wuzzy"

Cecely Barneson

April 5, 2007

God Blessed me abundantly with Leslie as a Soul Sister and Mom Barbara, as the Mom of my heart, who took me under her wing. Their unconditional love has kept me going! I am so grateful to have known Mom Barbara this side of Heaven, for even a short time. She's showering love down on us all now!

Raymond Johnson

April 4, 2007

In his book, "The Measure of a Man," Sidney Poitier states: "Of all my father's teachings, the most enduring was the one about the true measure of a man. That true measure was how well he provided for his children, and it stuck with me as if it were etched in my brain."
If the same can be said about the measure of a woman, Jean was undoubtedly the very essence of such an individual, as it becomes readily apparent from all that has been written that she had many "children," for all of whom she provided with her deepest and most profound commitment. As a nephew close to her age, our early years together were much as brother and sister. I feel blessed to have shared those years with her. Most important, however, is the sense of pride I feel to have witnessed the amazing impact she had on so many lives. Leslie, you have been witness to the very best. May it always be a model to be emulated for the remainder of your life. I love you as much as I loved your mother.

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Lisa Anderson

April 4, 2007

Leslie,

I miss Auntie Jean so much!! I will never forget all she has done for me and my children. I know she is laughing and talking it up with Grandma Ollie and Uncle Jr now. She will never be forgotten by anyone in our family she was loved dearly

Geoffrey Washington

April 3, 2007

Leslie,

Auntie Jean, A more loving and caring person I could not think of. Always a bright smile and a warm hug, she had a way of making everyone feel special. I feel very fortunate to have known her and I have fond memories of holidays at the "house" with all the family present. Remember She lives on in our hearts and in you. May God Bless and Keep You.

PAULA MCCRAY-STANLEY

April 2, 2007

HI LESLIE, I HOPE YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOU AND AUNTI JEAN MEAN TO ME. I WILL ALWAYS TREASURE THE NUTS AT CHRISTMAS.. AND OF COURSE THE NOW OR LATERS WHEN I WAS ILL. AUNTI JEAN WAS A REALLY SPECIAL PERSON TO ME AND VINCENT SHE WILL BE MISSED. LOVE ALWAYS PAULA POO

Joyce Cooke

April 2, 2007

Hi Lesboo. I remember Auntie on her birthday as being one of my favorite people in the entire world. Her entire life was spent giving and I'm sure she's helping someone out now in Heaven. She has never forgotten my birthday or any special event in my life and I will always remember and cherish her with all my heart. Love to you always, Joycee

Elaine McGee

April 2, 2007

As one of Rev. Leslie's college roommates, I met Barbara Freeman at Harvard. She impressed me as a dynamic, energetic woman as full of life as the irrepressible Leslie. They were incredibly close and a great comfort to each other at every stage of their lives.

Renee' Towns

April 2, 2007

In rememberance of my Aunti Jean on her birthday, I want to share that she was one of the most loving and giving people I know. I remember most how she truly loved and cared for all of her neices and nephews as though we were all her birth children. I love and miss her so much and have for some time now. But I have an assurance that she is resting peacefully now with my brother, her siblings and her parents. Les I love you dearly. God Bless.

Bob and Maurine Tobin

April 2, 2007

So many years ago! We met Barbara when she sent Leslie to the Canterbury School in 1967. Leslie was a bright lovely 7th grader who lit up the school by her presence. Barbara was ever supportive and a wonderful parent to have in our little school. Reentering Leslie's life in Cambridge was a special gift and to reconnect with Barbara a gift as well. May she go from strenth to strength in God's greater kingdom. Bless her.

Jacqueline Kearney

April 1, 2007

I met Mrs. Freeman when her daughter Leslie and I were in 3rd grade at Stanton Elementary School in Washington, D.C. Who knew that Leslie and I would later become college roommates. I will always treasure the way our life paths crossed - all the way from Parkland to Cambridge, MA, Mrs. Freeman!

I love you, Leslie. You are always in my prayers and have my heartfelt condolences.

Lisa M Poyer

March 31, 2007

Barbara Freeman was the mother of my oldest friend. I met Mrs.Freeman only a few years after my own mother died, and Mrs. Freeman helped fill a void in my life. She was truly wonderful, full of common sense and wit, and until she became ill, full of energy. She taught me one of the silliest card games I ever played and made one of the best Thanksgiving meals I have ever eaten. I will always miss her.

Leslie Sterling

March 31, 2007

"The strife is o'er, the battle won." She is enjoying this birthday a lot more in heaven than if she had lived to see it down here.

We used to say that "coast to coast" poem to each other all the time, and seeing it in print on this day, the first birth date after her death, is a bittersweet experience for me. I used to tease her about whether it should say "my mommy loves me the most" or "i love my mommy the most". But I don't know if I could have endured all the pain and discomfort she went through just to have a few more years with me, so she wins now: my mommy loves me the most.

I would love to hear from some of the people in the DC area who remember her.

Anne Sistler

February 15, 2007

My condolences to you, Leslie, and to the rest of your family, on your loss.

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