Obituary: Freda Edwards, 91, of Aberdeen

Freda S. Edwards, 91, of Aberdeen passed away peacefully in her loving daughter's arms on July 26, 2012, at Regency Park Nursing Home, Hazlet.

Born in Barrow-in-Furness, England, she was the younger of two daughters born to Elizabeth and Frederick Smith. After several back and forth trans-Atlantic crossings she and her family settled permanently in the United States. She graduated from Bloomfield High School, and attended St. Luke's School of Nursing in N.Y.C. She worked for the Newark Journal newspaper and American Life Insurance Company where she met the love of her life, James ‘Don’ Edwards, during W.W.II. They married upon his return from overseas service with the Army during the war. Still on active duty Freda and Don were stationed throughout the South and Texas before returning to New Jersey. They resided in Madison, N.J. before locating to Aberdeen in 1962, where they were original residents of Strathmore at Matawan.

Freda worked for the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District as a principal’s secretary, retiring in 1976. She was a graduate of Brookdale Community College. Throughout the years she was a member of various organizations including the Matawan Woman’s Club, Bayshore Hospital Auxiliary and the Aberdeen Senior Bowling League.
Freda was an accomplished watercolorist, winning many awards. She loved New Jersey and her town and was happiest in her home and working in her garden, but she was also an extensive traveler upon retirement, taking several international tours and cruises. She loved animals and birds and was a devoted dog lover and owner, having several wonderful dogs through the years. Freda was also very talented in sewing and would make her own window drapes and upholstery, quilts, embroidery and knitting. She would love trying her talents at something new and taking joy in the accomplishment. Above all, she loved her family.

Freda was predeceased by her parents, and her beloved husband, Don, in 1982. She is survived by her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Ted Main of Aberdeen. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren Jennifer and her husband James Black of Morganville, and Michael and his wife Nicole of Saratoga Springs, New York and cherished great-grandchildren, Jimmy and Mason Black. Freda is also survived by her devoted nephew, Bill Guest, and devoted niece, Jan Woods.

Visitation will be from 4pm to 7pm on Monday, July 30, 2012 at Waitt Funeral Home, 501 Highway 79, Morganville, New Jersey. The Funeral Service will take place at 10am, Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at the Funeral Home. Interment will be in Holmdel Cemetery, Holmdel, New Jersey.