Dorcas B. "Ducky" Freeman

1940 - 2022

Mystic - Dorcas B. "Ducky" Freeman slipped away Dec. 6, 2022, at Academy Point Senior Living in Mystic after a mercifully short time suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. Ducky was born Nov. 4, 1940, in Boston, Mass., the daughter of the late W. Brownell and Constance G. Freeman. She grew up in Weston, Mass., with her brothers, Clay, Peter and David.

Ducky attended Beaver Country Day School in Wellesley, Mass., and Briarcliff College, Westchester County New York. After a winter off skiing in Colorado, Ducky settled in Woodstock, Vt., where she worked in a local law firm. She later managed the family property in nearby North Pomfret, Vt., that included a renovated Sears Roebuck house, an old barn, a stone quarry, and, from time-to-time, limited logging in a large area of forest where her neighbors tapped the maple trees to make syrup.

Having to compete with three active brothers, Ducky became an avid outdoors person. She enjoyed skiing, tennis, sailing and bicycling. She especially enjoyed hiking in the woods with a succession of golden retrievers she raised. The most recent was a very special companion named Pi, who was always at her side. Always game for a new adventure, Ducky loved a good road trip and drove cross country many times to visit friends and for West Coast family gatherings. She also traveled to Europe, Cuba, East Asia, and cruised in the Virgin Islands.

In 1927, Ducky's grandfather bought Elihu Island, on Little Narragansett Bay in Stonington, from the Johnstone family which became the Freeman Clan's summer gathering place. Ducky spent summers happily sharing time on the island with her siblings, aunts and uncles, cousins and four generations of her extended family. Ducky had a wide circle of friends, whose friendship was rewarded with an open heart and strong loyalty. She was a loving and generous woman who cared for two foster daughters and opened her home to friends in need.

Ducky is survived by her brothers, Peter Freeman (Ann) and David Freeman (Eileen); as well as nine nieces and nephews; and 13 great-nieces and nephews.

Ducky did not wish to have a formal memorial service. Her brothers are planning to gather with friends and family in Woodstock, and her summer home in Stonington, in the spring to reminisce and honor a most memorable woman. Her family thanks the staff at Academy Point for their gentle care and understanding of Ducky's needs during her last troubled months. Donations may be made in her honor to Upper Valley Haven, 713 Hartford Avenue, White River Junction, VT 05001 or Mystic Seaport Museum, 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic CT 06355.