Grace Freebery

Grace Freebery was a truly remarkable woman who thoroughly enjoyed every minute of her wonderful life (her words!) of 98 years. Grace was the beloved matriarch of a vibrant Freebery clan of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and all adored her.

Grace was born the youngest of 4 children to Mason and Grace Gooding in 1922. Her mother gave birth to Grace in their family home, just where her 3 older brothers were born. This was a time when hospital births were very rare. Her brothers, Bayard, Frank, and Harvey Gooding often found their little sister tagging after them as they played on the banks of the Brandywine River near Hagley Museum.

Grace was an active, inquisitive child who grew into a beautiful, athletic young woman. She attended A.I DuPont lower school, and William Penn High School, where she was captain of her hockey team. Grace met the love of her life at a Halloween party in Old New Castle when she was 16 years old. Despite an offer for a scholarship to college, Grace agreed to marry Huck Freebery (James. J. Freebery Jr.) as soon as she graduated. Theirs was a love affair that withstood the test of time and they remained happily married for the rest of their lives. Grace worked in Philadelphia, PA, for Bell Telephone during a time when married women were not permitted to be employed there, and she relished her secret, married status until the start of her family.

Grace and Huck became the very proud parents of seven children: James Freebery III, Joseph Freebery, Sherry Freebery, Jan Freebery Eckstein, Michael Freebery, Patricia Freebery and Ronald Freebery. The family lived in Westminster, Delaware. Numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren grew up spending summers with Grace and Huck in Dewey Beach, DE, and winter vacations in Tierre Verde, Florida. No matter how many kids were always there, Grace could be found humming away in her kitchen. After the death of her husband, Grace returned from Florida to live in Castleshire, Delaware, to be close to her family. Family was the Paramount Factor to Grace and Huck Freebery.

For the next 20 years, Grace enjoyed remaining very active. She loved the theater, travelling, reading, attending church, as well as walking daily at Delcastle Park, swimming laps at HAC, nurturing her gardening each season, and driving to do all her errands. Grace remained as independent at age 98 as she was at age 18.

Grace Freebery died in her home, just where she wanted to be, on June 9, 2020, surrounded by her children.

In lieu of flowers, well-wishers are encouraged to hoist a jolly toast in memory of the truly remarkable woman, Grace Freebery.

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Funeral Services

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, only a small group of immediate family were lawfully permitted to gather for an outdoor farewell at All Saints Cemetery, where Grace was laid to rest with her beloved husband.

The family had hoped that with time, a gathering to celebrate their mother’s life would be allowed, but pandemic restrictions remain in effect. In lieu of flowers, well-wishers are encouraged to hoist a jolly toast in memory of the truly remarkable woman, Grace Freebery.

Condolences

Cindy Gooding Cotler writes,

I’m just learning of Aunt Gracie’s passing. Im so very sorry to hear this news. She was a remarkable woman with a heart of gold. She will be in my heart forever. My sincere condolences to all my family. Love, Cindy

09/19/2020 09:34 am

KEVIN HEALY lit a candle and writes,

Grace brightened my day every time I met with her or spoke with her. She always made me feel I was the most important person in the world, and I know that is how she made everyone feel. I adored Grace! Blessings to all of the Freebery clan! Kevin Healy

09/19/2020 11:21 am

Donna Smith Staats writes,

My heartfelt condolences to your family.

09/19/2020 06:28 pm

Patricia Murray writes,

My sincere condolences, Sherry. Sounds like she was a wonderful and vibrant person. Wishing all of you well. Empty Comment: 1600560095

09/19/2020 08:04 pm

Dennis LaFazia lit a candle and writes,

To the Freebery Family, So very sorry to hear about Mrs. Freebery's passing. Always enjoyed when I visited the Freebery household and met with Mrs. Freebery. She was such a wonderful person and always held her family as number one in her life. With all those kids around, she never ever got up-set with any of their actions when I visited. She seemed like she always had that pleasant smile when I visited. Jim, her oldest son, and I were roommates at the U. of Delaware. After seeing her for the first time in many, many years at her son's Joe funeral, I asked her if she remembered me. She certainly did remember me and told me several things about our past meetings. Her mind was as sharp as a tact, as they say. She will be missed by many but will never be forgotten! Family friend, Denny LaFazia

09/20/2020 11:44 am

Kathy and Ron Hildebrand writes,

Ron and I knew Grace through her daughter Jan Freebery Eckstein. Grace was every lovely and loving word said of her. She is and will be sorely missed.

09/21/2020 10:50 am

William (Bill) Leonard writes,

So sorry for your loss cousins, Aunt Grace was very welcoming when ever we visited the Freebery household. There was always a house full when we visited, but that did not stop her from welcoming the company. Will raise a toast for Aunt Grace at the next family gathering, Thoughts and prayers to Aunt Grace, and to the Freebery Crue.

09/21/2020 01:13 pm

CATHERINE ROBERTS writes,

I have been in and out of hospital all month and just saw the obituary. Aunt Grace was one of my favorite Aunts. She was a wonderful, gracious person. I know it is not easy losing someone close but she had a wonderful life and enjoy every minute. She raised a wonderful family that just kept growing and growing. She was very special to everyone.

09/23/2020 07:11 pm

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