Obituary: Freda W. Howell Imperatore, Former Owner of the Betsy Shop and Lee's Record Shop

Freda Howell Imperatore, wife of bandleader Lee Barrett Freda W. Imperatore, 94, of Canonsburg died Monday March 11, 2013 in Townview Health Center in Canonsburg.

A daughter of George and Elizabeth Howell, she was born in Muse on July 4, 1918, which explains why she was such a “firecracker.”

On Feb. 2, 1941 she married Leon “Barrett” Imperatore who, died on July 7, 1995. She and her husband owned the Betsy Shop and Lee's Record Shop, which for more than 25 years was a favorite gathering place in Washington for music lovers of all ages.

Porky Chedwick purchased some of his “Dusty Discs” at Lee's. From 1967 until 1994 the Imperatores co-owned and managed the Jefferson Room. This well known restaurant /banquet facility was a popular wedding, dance and meeting venue for area residence and some celebrities.

Although Mrs. Imperatore was not Italian, people raved about her spaghetti sauce. She was a member of St. Patrick's Church and the Sons of Italy. The only member of her family to graduate from high school, colleges recruited her to be one of the few women to enroll, but due to monetary restraints, she could not attend.

She loved listening to big band music and '50s and '60s songs. She had a fondness for sewing, cooking, shopping, watching TV, and playing cards. She delighted in traveling and being a lucky winner on slot machines. When watching Pittsburgh sports, she preferred the Pirates over the Penguins. Steeler games were a highlight and she enjoyed the “Monday Night Football guys” being there.     

She thrived and remained young-at-heart by having her family close throughout her lifetime. Family members called her “Grammy” as did her numerous friends.

Lessons learned from Grammy are to “always save room for dessert and an occasional Kahlua and cream.” She always said, “Tomorrow will be a brighter day” but those who loved her will find that difficult to believe.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Surviving are daughters Rose Caffrey and Beverly Imperatore of Canonsburg and step daughter Arvella Charlier of Waverly, Ohio, six grandchildren: William Caffrey, Sandra Pleskovich, Bridgette Caffrey, Gloria Thornburg, Donna Price and William Charlier. Ten great grandchildren: Jonathan and Shanna Pleskovich, Devin Caffrey, Alaia and Amara Levenson, J.T. Thornburg, Shannan and Caroline Charlier, and Travis and Ginger Harding. Also surviving are eight great great grandchildren.

Deceased in addition to her husband and parents are two sisters and four brothers. Also deceased is a grandson Gregory Caffrey.

A blessing service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 13, at Salandra Funeral Home in Canonsburg.

Interment will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to Townview Health and Rehabilitation Center or Canonsburg Volunteer Fire Department.