Michelle A. Freestone

Michelle Annette Decker was born on Staten Island NY to parents Rickliffe Decker and Josephine Moerschel Decker on September 15th, 1944. Her older sister Joan Alice was already twelve years old and an avid horse woman. Her father Rickliffe was a celebrated race car driver and pilot. Her mother was also a pilot, airplane mechanic and hat designer. Although as a child Michelle was very sickly her health was saved by her French nanny Gene Bonet, an expert in the field of herbology and nutrition.
Shelly, Joan and their cousin Jim grew up together and played in "The Fairy Lands" of Staten Island. They enjoyed horseback riding, ice skating, flying and driving. All three shared a great love of animals and the natural world.
The family moved to Wachung, NJ where Shelly and her sister Joan rode and competed horses and Shelly continued to ice skate enthusiastically. Michelle graduated High school from Watchung Hills Regional High School class of 1963. Shortly after she graduated from Cosmetology school and took a job at a beauty salon. Shelly completed her first single engine solo in 1964 at Rick Decker's Manville airport. She married her first husband circa 1964 and her daughter Kara Linn Somerville was born March 13th, 1967.
Unfortunately, Michelle and Joan lost their parents early in life. Both Joan and Shelly endeavored to preserve the memory of their adventurous parents for the younger generations with photos, stories, recipes and antiques from the family home. Shelly took a special interest in her niece Jennifer and her nephews Herbert, Rick and Alex. Shelly always tried to create a loving and supportive extended family, and everyone was always invited to her home.
Michelle married her second husband Robert Freestone on September 19th, 1982. He was the love of her life.
Michelle became a partner in marriage and a second mother to Bob's first sons Michael Robert Freestone and Robert Gregory Freestone. Michelle also became an integral part of Bob's Marshfield Massachusetts Business the Village Framer. The Frame Shop was an excellent forum for Shelly's creativity and decorative vision. She excelled both artistically and as a business partner. But her most treasured role was as wife and mother to her beloved family.
The couple's first son Evan Robert Freestone was born on November 17th, 1983, and their second son Bryce Decker Freestone was born on December 8th, 1988. The boys were her world, and she nurtured a close-knit family and home life. There were trips to the beach and family vacations, they spent time at the pond cottage splashing in the water together. Shelly continued to collect antiques, garden and bake. Shelly was an amazing cook and enjoyed sharing her recipes and teaching everyone in the family her best techniques. She rediscovered her love of the piano and began to play every day. She loved the holidays, and no decoration, detail, or sugar cookie was spared.
In Michelle's later years she enjoyed entertaining her friends and family at her pond side cottage where she kept alive the stories and artwork of her parent's generation. She loved her home life and her pets. She was also Evan's full-time caregiver, educator and advocate. Shelly was committed to the special needs community and fostered many relationships there. Michelle was a wife, mother, aunt, businesswoman and a friend to so many. She always extended her love and home to those who were in need of a little magic in their lives.
Shelly left us all far too early on November 20th, 2023. She was in good health and planning for the holidays. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Mrs. Michelle Freestone is survived by her husband, Robert Freestone, her daughter Kara Somerville, her sons Evan Freestone and Bryce Freestone. Michael Robert Freestone and Robert Gregory Freestone; her sister Joan Decker McCartney, cousin Jim Moerschel, and nieces and nephews Herbert McCartney, Rickcliffe McCartney, Jennifer McCartney Kuhle and Alex McCartney.
God rest her soul.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, December 8, 2023 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. and will conclude with a Funeral Service at 6:00 p.m. at the MacDonald Funeral Home, 1755 Ocean Street in Marshfield. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Michelle Freestone can be made online to a fund to benefit her family at The Freestone Family Fund
For online guest book, driving directions and other helpful information please visit the website macdonaldfuneralhome.com