Julie Anne Freer

It is with great sadness that Kevin and Kathryn announce the recent passing of their beloved mother, Julie Anne Freer (McLaughlin) (nee Bennett). She was predeceased by her cherished husband, Fletcher McLaughlin, with whom she shared a life filled with laughter, adventure, and a love of travel.

Born on January 26, 1940, in Vancouver, B.C., to Ellen and Henry Bennett, she enjoyed a happy childhood surrounded by friends and family, including the Pritchards, Prendergasts, McMillans, Rendalls and Bennetts. She attended Convent of Sacred Heart, spending a formative year abroad in England, before completing her studies at the University of British Columbia.

She began her career as a teacher, continuing in the profession after she, her first husband Richard-with whom she maintained a lasting friendship-and their children moved from Vancouver to Montreal in the late 1960s, and later settled in Toronto in the early 1970s, where she devoted many years to charity work with the Junior League. She subsequently transitioned to a successful career in management with Belmont House in Toronto. For the past twenty years, she lived in the Town of the Blue Mountains, where she actively engaged with the Probus Club of the Gateway and the Collingwood Croquet Club, forging a new community of friendships.

She was a lifelong animal lover, finding joy in the wildlife visiting her home and in the companionship of her own pets as well as those of family and friends. An all-around sports enthusiast, Julie embraced every opportunity to share activities with loved ones, whether playing squash and tennis, cross-country or downhill skiing, snowshoeing, cycling, hiking, or-in more recent years-developing a particular passion for the game of croquet.

With her sense of humour and generous spirit, Julie formed enduring and cherished friendships in every place she called home, friendships for which she remained deeply grateful. She leaves behind her dear friends from Probus, croquet, and the bridge table, all of whom will miss her greatly.

Julie will be deeply missed by her son-in-law, Peter (Oad), and daughter-in-law, Alexandra (Magistretti). Affectionately known as (Granny) "Jules," she nurtured a unique and special bond with each of her grandchildren - Taylor and Samantha (Oad) and Christian, Lucas, Alyssa, and Ariane (Freer) - each of whom feels the profound loss of their daily moments together.

Julie lived a life to the fullest and will be remembered for her warmth, her humour, and her unwavering love for family and friends, a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Georgian Triangle Humane Society or the Canadian Cancer Society.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Bear Estate, Living Water Resort, 9 Harbour Street East, Collingwood, Ontario, with a reception to follow.