Mrs. Josephine "Jo" Freer

1939 - 2014

Mrs. Josephine "Jo" Freer obituary, 1939-2014

BORN

1939

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Garner Funeral Service

10 Lawrence Ave

Potsdam, New York

Josephine Freer Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 23, 2014.

JOSEPHINE ELLEN (SELLS) FREER


Josephine (Jo) Freer, 74, passed away from cancer on April 22, 2014, at her home in Potsdam, New York, under the compassionate care of Hospice with family in attendance.

She is survived by her husband James, three children and their families: Carrie (Tom) French (Potsdam, NY), grandchildren Daniel and Emma; Jason (Kristie) Freer (Erie, PA), grandchildren Allison and Grace; Timothy (Christina) Freer (Hamden, CT), grandchildren Olivia and Lauren. She is also survived by three brothers and their families: Boake and Marian Sells (Florida), Greg and Barbara Sells (California), and Tim and Melinda Sells (California).

Jo was born in Estherville, Iowa, in 1939, the daughter of Lyle and Louise (Gadd) Sells, and spent most of her childhood in Fort Dodge, Iowa. She graduated from the University of Iowa and worked for a time at Bell Telephone in Chicago, and General Mills in Minneapolis prior to marrying James in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on July 22, 1967. Jo raised the family while following Jim's Alcoa career through stops in Minneapolis, Cleveland, Akron, Pittsburgh, and Atlanta before winding up in Massena, NY. During that time she enjoyed being a substitute teacher in the North Country. Throughout her adult years she was active in religious instruction. She was a lifelong avid reader, loved music especially jazz, proficient knitter, and was totally devoted to her grandchildren. She is fondly remembered by many for her unselfish and thoughtful attention and concern to others, old and young, in need of a listening ear or a helping hand.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 28th at 11:00 am at St. Mary's Church in Potsdam with Father Garry Giroux and Msgr. Robert Aucoin concelebrating the Funeral Mass. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, April 27th from 3:00-6:00 pm at Garner Funeral Home in Potsdam.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley or Catholic Relief Services. On line condolences may be made at www.garnerfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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July 4, 2014

Catherine Murray Mamer

I too was a classmate st St. Catherine's College in St. Paul, MN. Dianne Walta Hart sent the information to a group of us who had been friends during our freshman year. I am especially sad to learn that she lived here in Minneapolis for a time after her marriage and to not have known that at the time since I live here now. We all have so many memories of her and especially her stories about Fort Dodge. I always look at it on a map and think of Jo. She was a special person and will be deeply missed. You are all in my heart and prayers.

July 1, 2014

Marge Franta Bean

I also knew Jo our freshman year at St. Catherine's College in St. Paul, Minnesota. She was only there one year, but she was part of group that became good friends . As life moves on, we all went in different directions. From her picture and comments it is apparent she was a special person . Sorry for your loss.

June 30, 2014

I just found this online - I knew Jo our freshman year at the College of St. Catherine. I always thought we would be friends forever but somehow we lost track of each other. Earlier on in the days of the Internet, I looked for her, but to no avail. So tonight I looked again and found her, but too late. My condolences, with great sadness. Dianne Walta Hart

May 7, 2014

Michael Barton

To the entire Freer family especially Tim, I was informed of your Mom's passing and wanted to drop you a line. She was always very friendly and welcoming. So sorry for your loss...

May 3, 2014

Am deeply moved by all your kind thoughts and memories of Jo. It has been a while since last together, but rest assured you are all in my and the families thoughts. Thankyou
Jim Freer

May 1, 2014

Jean Morin Centrella

Carrie and Family: I have very fond memories of your Mom. I am sorry I just found out about her passing today. She was always such a great person to turn to during my years with CYO in Massena. She will be missed.
-Jean (Morin) Centrella

April 29, 2014

Dave & Jan Armpriester

To the Freer Family, We were so sorry to hear of Jo's passing. She was a remarkable woman, who's love and care for her family was always the most important thing in her life. Her deeply held faith and strong convictions were an inspiration to all who knew Jo and she will be missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you, but know that you all were deeply loved by your wife, mother and grandmother.

April 28, 2014

Elisabeth Dion

Our deepest sympathy to all the Freer family. Jo was such a lovely person and we have fond memories of her kindness. I am glad we got to see her one last time at the ball field in Potsdam last year! It was a joy to visit with her! Your loss is great but I am sure she remains with you in spirit and love. Take care....Liz and Armand Dion

April 27, 2014

To the entire Freer family it was so nice to see you all, I wish it was under different circumstances but what can we do..Jason & Tim you guys haven't changed a bit you look great, I will always miss Jo's monthly visits, her strength, and courage, for whatever life presented her, her compassion and care for others,and her love for you all.You were always in our conversations. How lucky you were,we were, she has been in my life for almost thirty years,thanks for sharing! God Bless, Mike Gagner

April 26, 2014

Mike "Eggy" Quenneville

Mr Freer, Carrie, Jason and Tim.
I am sorry for the Loss of Mrs Freer, Your wife, your Mom. She was a remarkable person who provided Guidenence, Leadership and Love during the most influential time of our lives which was high school. The smile like the one in the picture was one that brought joy to each and every person she game in contact with. She was such an awesome person and someone that I always looked up to. I know she will be missed by you and alot of other folks.
You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

April 25, 2014

Courtney Woods & Family

I am beyond grateful I had the opportunity to get to know Jo over the last few years. She always spoke of her children and grandchildren with such love and care. I will never, ever look at the profoundness in nature without thinking of her, and hearing her voice, say, "Oh, look at what God created. Isn't God great?" I extend to you all my sincere sympathy for your loss. She was to me a friend, a role-model, a teacher, and an advocate for women; I can only imagine what an amazing impact she had on each of you. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

April 25, 2014

Dear Jim and Family. The memories of growing up in Iowa with cousin Joi come back to us. Over the years, Jo was the Center of Gravity for those of us in her extended family. We revolved around her, and we always will. Our thoughts are with you. Terry Moody and Steve Gadd

April 24, 2014

Jeff and Jenni Hopper

We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

April 24, 2014

Kathy DodgeMadrid

To all of Jo's family, especially Carrie and Tom, I am sorry for your loss. Jo was a remarkable woman. I will remember her forthright and sincere engagement with the world. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

April 24, 2014

Tom Fiesinger

Jo ...a joy and an inspiration...and a joyful sense of humor...and very well said that "She is fondly remembered by many for her unselfish and thoughtful attention and concern to others, old and young, in need of a listening ear or a helping hand."

April 24, 2014

Rick and Julie LaBrake

Dear Freer Family,
While we extend our condolences to you on the passing of your wife, Mom and grandmother, at the same time we are moved to celebrate the life that was Jo Freer's. Jo was an awesome person who truly loved the Church, Christ in the world, who served when asked and willingly sought ways to be of service. We do well to recall her lay ministries in the Church and to continue them in her memory. All one can take from this life into the next is Love; so let us close by saying, we love you, Jo Freer.

April 24, 2014

We were so sorry to hear the passing of your Mom. She was a very caring and thoughtful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. God Bless you all. Francis and Ann LaDuke

April 24, 2014

Denise Sero

I'm so sorry to hear of Jo's passing. It was always so nice having her substitute in my classroom at AAK. We enjoyed working with her!

April 24, 2014

Kim Gormley

Dearest Freer Family - I am thinking of all of you and praying for you. Mrs. Freer was my 2nd mom and her wise, loving counsel really impacted my life and I have the most wonderful memories of her. I know the Lord will see you through this grief. Love all of you, Kim (Wall) Gormley and Family

April 24, 2014

Tonya Rood

Carrie, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

April 24, 2014

Carrie, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Michele Lashomb

April 24, 2014

Anthony and Lianne Armpriester

We were deeply saddened to hear the loss of Jo. May everyone hold their precious memories of her close and use them to find comfort. The Freer family is in our prayers, and may God give you strength and peace during this difficult time.

April 24, 2014

Andrew Armpriester

My deepest sympathy. I will always remember Jo as an amazing lady, mother, teacher, and role model. It is a blessing, privilege, and honor to have been a part her life.

April 24, 2014

Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to all the family. She was a wonderful and caring person. I love the picture of her and that is what I remember that smile. In your hearts I hope you remember the good times and her love. Sharon & Brian Smythe

April 23, 2014

I knew Jo Freer when the family was living in Massena. She and I were on the Sacred Heart Parish Liturgy Team together. She always exhibited enthusiasm and insight into whatever we were working on together. I saw her briefly at the Massena airport several years ago, and although many years had passed since I saw her last, she immediately recognized me and came over to speak to me and ask how I was getting along. I so much admired her sweet and sincere smile. I extend my sincere condolences to all of her family in her death and assure you that God has embraced her in His loving arms. Elsie G. Scruggs

April 23, 2014

DIane Brown

My deepest sympathy. Jo was a terrific person and was a great mentor to me and she taught me so much. She will be deeply missed.

April 23, 2014

Jo was a great teacher and guide for her many students in religious education in Masena. I am sorry to hear of her death, yet I'm sure she is now happy with her Lord.
Sister Imelda Kirkey, OSM

April 23, 2014

Bob/Trudy White

Dear Freer Family, We were so sad to hear about Jo. She was such a special person/neighbor to my parents, Joe and Olga. She will be missed. Love you Jo!

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