Alfreda A. "Freda" (Eza) Ahl, 89, of Bristol, beloved widow of the late Carl G. "Gus" Ahl, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 31, 2025, surrounded by her family in the comfort of her home. Freda was born in Newington, CT, on January 3, 1936, the daughter of the late Carl and Olga (Zielke) Eza. She moved to Bristol in 1958 and was a devoted member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Forestville for 62 years.
Freda often fondly recalled her life growing up with her siblings on the homestead, living a near-subsistence lifestyle that included growing and preparing nearly all their own food with a large garden, chickens, and rabbits. Her mother was a steady force after her father passed away young, teaching her how to run a household and care for others in need, always looking out for loved ones.
Freda dedicated her professional life to Tunxis Community College, where she served as a communications officer until her retirement in 1998, earning a distinguished record for her exceptional service. Known as a 'social butterfly,' Freda embraced life with a deep love for her family and friends, who were an integral part of who she was and how she lived. She enjoyed luncheons with friends, especially her high school companions, and cherished traveling with family and friends, creating a lifetime of special memories. Early in her life, Freda found joy in creating ceramics, and several of her pieces are still treasured in the homes of those she touched, including one special creation for her grand dog, Lily. You could often find her in the one place she loved mostthe kitchen! Fredas kitchen was always open and welcoming to all. She loved to cook and host, with family and friends always at the center of her life. Her grandchildren were the light of her life in retirement, bringing her endless joy. She adored them and loved watching their sporting and community events, cheering them on from the sidelines.
Freda is survived by her children: Deborah Ahl of Bristol; Karen Collins and her husband Patrick of Bristol; and Douglas Ahl and his wife Rebecca of Madison, WI. She leaves behind her grandchildren: Matthew, Meghan, and Brian Collins; and Henry and Neo Ahl. Freda is also survived by her sister, Bertha Friedmann of Berlin, and her brother, Arthur Eza and his wife Patricia of Murrells Inlet, SC. She was predeceased by her brothers John and Carl Eza, and her sister Margaret (Eza) Tkacz.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on August 9, 2025 (Saturday) at 11 AM at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 355 Camp St.,
Bristol, CT. Burial will follow at West Cemetery, 49 Pound St., Bristol. Friends and family are invited to visit with the family at the church prior to the service, between 10 and 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Fredas memory may be made to the Madison Childrens Museum of Madison, Wisconsin. Please visit Fredas memorial page at www.FunkFuneralHome.com. Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave.,
Bristol, CT, is honored to be assisting Fredas family.
Services
Visitation
Saturday
August 9, 2025
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
355 Camp St.
Forestville, CT 06010
A Celebration of Life
Saturday
August 9, 2025
11:00 AM to 11:45 AM
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
355 Camp St.
Forestville, CT 06010
Cemetery
West Cemetery
Bristol, CT To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alfreda, please visit our floral store.