Norma J. "McNeal" Freeman

FREEMAN

With great sorrow we mourn the loss of Norma J. Freeman, who passed to her heavenly home on September 18, 2025, in the Darby Glen Nursing Home, at the age of 96. A woman of unwavering faith, boundless curiosity, and profound grace, she leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and creativity.

Born in Madison County on January 21, 1929, Norma was a daughter of Herbert Green McNeal and Mary Pauline (Cunningham) McNeal. She was a devout Catholic whose life was a testament to her faith. Her reverence for God shaped every aspect of her life – from her daily prayers to the compassion she showed others. She was a longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in London, where she found great joy in worship and community. One of her most cherished memories included the opportunity to meet Pope Francis, a truly once in a lifetime experience that she forever was grateful for.

A lifelong learner and spirited traveler, Norma believed that the world was full of wonder and stories waiting to be discovered. From her North American travels around Canada and Mexico, to her ventures down under in Australia, and her favorite European explorations across France and Germany, she embraced every journey with open arms and an open heart, always returning home with new tales and renewed inspiration.

With a passion for philosophy, Norma was a gifted writer whose words touched many. She authored her first publication Family Memories – a labor of love that captured the beauty, resilience, and truth of the human spirit. Even at the age of 95, Norma was hard at work on her second book, There's More, a testament to her enduring passion for storytelling and the power of the written word.

Norma will be remembered not only for her accomplishments, but for the warmth she brought into every room, her thoughtful conversations, and her deep love for her family and friends.

She is survived by three children: Mary Helena (Larry) Freeman-Murphy, Gregory Allen Freeman, and Jean Ellen Freeman-Mitchell; grandchildren: Carey Michele "Missy" (Robert) Murphy-Jones, Reed Ellison (Druscilla) Collins, Craig Michael Murphy, Toni Ann Mitchell Barnett, Joshua Allen Mitchell, Andrew Johnathan Freeman; twelve great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, numerous cousins and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Norma was preceded in death by her beloved husband Allen J. Freeman; sisters Rhoda Y. Church, Lois A. McDaniel, brother Herbert A. McNeal; daughter-in-law Cynthia K. Niles-Freeman, son-in-law Milton A. Mitchell and close friends Peg Dwyer, Eileen Burns Kearney, and Helen Roddy.

Her life was a beautiful story – one filled with faith, adventure, and the written word. May she rest in eternal peace.

The Freeman family will receive friends in the Parish Center of St. Patrick Catholic Church, 61 South Union Street, London, Ohio 43140, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 10:00 – 10:45 AM. A memorial mass will begin at 11:00 AM with Father Slawomir Siok officiating. A repast and time of fellowship will then take place in the Parish Center followed by a Service of Remembrance at 1:00 PM with Dr. Teena Gallagher officiating. Private interment in Oak Hill Cemetery, London will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorials in Norma's name may be sent to benefit St. Patrick Catholic Church at the address provided above or to the Norma Freeman Library Endowment. Mail to the Springfield Foundation, 333 North Limestone Street, Suite 201, Springfield, Ohio 45503.

The EBERLE-FISHER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 103 North Main Street, London, Ohio 43140, is honored to be serving the Freeman family during this difficult time. Condolences and prayers for the family are encouraged to be shared online at www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com.