Willard, Freda D., 78, October 13, 2013.
CARIBOU – Surrounded by love and with a grateful heart, Freda Doris (Drake) Willard, 78, passed into the arms of her Savior, October 13, 2013, in Hampden. She was born March 22, 1935, in Portage Lake, to the late Stanley and Eunice (Hatt) Drake.
She was a graduate of Fort Kent Community High School and married Gerry R. Willard on June 8, 1956. She lived her faith and was devoted to her husband of 57 years and their three children. Raised in a family of 18 siblings, Freda had a great appreciation and deep love of family. Her most cherished times were those shared with family, friends, and her Lord. She loved His creation from the peaceful beauty of a ski trail to the swish-swish of the ocean surf. She enjoyed gifts from the heart like spending hours picking wild berries for jams and desserts and making her own treasures to share with those around her.
Freda had been employed as a secretary and bookkeeper for several area businesses over the years, including Birds Eye Foods, Nelson Gagnon’s store and most recently at Cary Medical Center as a transcriptionist.
She was predeceased by her parents; and five siblings, Louise Young, Elwin Drake, Lona Drake, Gordon Drake and Ginny Caron. She leaves behind her husband, Gerry Willard; daughter, Debra Webb and husband, Tom, of Hampden and sons, Gregory Willard and wife, Peggy, of Glenburn and Kendall Willard of Kingfield; five grandchildren, Jason, Kelly, Melanie, Kristen and Jessica; twelve siblings, Dorothy Marquis, Helen Jonas, Donald Drake, Richard Drake, Carolyn Drake, Joyce Phelps, Floyd Drake, Florence Millette, Ray Drake, Nellie Pawlak, Lawrence Drake and Leila Summers; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends and family called Saturday, October 19, 2013, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou, where a brief celebration of Freda’s life was conducted at 4:30 p.m. with Pastor Garnett Chute officiating. In lieu of flowers those who wish may contribute in memory of Freda through Cancer Care of Maine, 33 Whiting Hill Road, Brewer, ME 04412. www.mockler funeralhome.com.
