Freda Marie Elser

Freda Marie Elser, 89, of Wenatchee, died Monday, April 27, 2009, at Central Washington Hospital. She was born November 14, 1919, in Tulsa, OK. Her parents, Joseph and Mary Magdalene (Fassnacht) Elser, farmed near Henrietta, OK. In May of 1937, Freda, her parents, her brothers, Johnnie and Justin, and her sister, Mary, left the Dust Bowl to settle in Peshastin, WA. She worked for various fruit warehouses, for Peshastin Lumber and Box and for Ski Café in Leavenworth. After her parents died, she moved to Wenatchee and became a salesclerk in the lady's clothing department at Stan's Merry Mart, where she worked until her retirement. She enjoyed working with people and was always friendly and helpful. An admirably independent woman, she only reluctantly gave up driving in her early 80's. She continued doing errands and keeping appointments by riding the bus, even after she needed a walker to get around. She maintained her own household until, in her mid-80's, her health forced her to move to an assisted living facility. A couple of weeks before she died, she commented that if she could get to where she could walk and feed herself, she saw no reason why she couldn't get her own apartment again. She was extremely disabled and in pain the last years, but she never lost her humor or her hope. Freda took great pleasure in caring for her flowers and she also loved to travel. She made many road trips with her good friend, Marie (Agnew) Brincefield, traveling throughout the United States. She was a devoted daughter and sister, a kind aunt, and a faithful friend. She was a loving person, who touched many lives and will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Johnnie and Justin; her sisters, Augusta (Hall), Margaret (Farrimond) and Mary (Johnson.) The family would like to extend their gratitude to all the people who befriended and helped Freda, with special thanks to her dear friends, John and Julie Nebel. Funeral Services will be held Monday morning, May 4, 2009, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 625 S. Elliot, Wenatchee. The Vigil begins at 10:30 a.m. and the Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Peshastin Cemetery. Memorials may be made, in Freda's name, to the St. Joseph Building Fund. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Freda Marie Elser

November 14, 1919 - April 27, 2009