Lesley Freerks

Freerks, Lesley Lesley Freerks was born on September 20, 1918, in Ahmednagar, India where her parents Rev. Arthur and Elizabeth Viles McBride served as missionaries. She traveled a great distance to the Kodaikanal International School. Lesley never forgot the poverty in India and had a lifelong sympathy for those in need. Returning to the US, she graduated in 1937 as the vice-president of her senior class at the Proviso Township HS in Maywood, IL. Lesley continued at Carleton College, majoring in history and zoology, and graduating in 1941, the year she married Marshall C. Freerks, her college sweetheart and chemistry tutor. Marshall served as a naval aviator, stationed in the Pacific. In 1949, the family moved to Kirkwood where she was a devoted and loving wife and mother to four children Marshall, Marian (deceased), Stanley, and Margaret. She was a loyal 60 year member of the First Congregational Church of Webster Groves. Lesley was a skilled bridge player and an avid reader. She was a skilled and artistic knitter and a brave traveler who toured the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. After the children left home, Lesley enjoyed working at Famous Barr for 20 years before retiring. Lesley is survived by her children Marshall (Ellen), Stanley (Terry), Margaret Turk (Fred), son-in-law Robert Allbee; grandchildren Per-Olaf Freerks, Carl- Johan Freerks, Elizabeth Rice Johnson, Emily Rice Becklenberg, Kate Allbee Eidt, John and Brian Turk, and 6 great-grandchildren. Services: A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, November 17 at the First Congregational Church, 10 West Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves. There will be a reception after the service at the Church. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to First Congregational Church, Kirk Care or charity of choice.