Freeda M. Ferris, 96
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - Freeda M. Ferris, 96, of 28 Chase Ave. died Thursday, May 7, 2009, at Springside of Pittsfield.Born in Danbury, Conn., on Sept. 30, 1912, daughter of George and Sadie Matney Ferris, she attended schools in North Adams and graduated from Drury High School.
Ms. Ferris retired from the former Sprague Electric Co. in 1983. She had also worked at the former Wall-Streeter Shoe Co., Esther Jaffe Ryan Boutique and Hollywood Fashion Dress Shop.
She was a communicant of the former St. Francis' Church and was a volunteer at the annual bazaar. She was the founder and past president of the Lebanese Social Club. She also was in charge of the local St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital telethon, at which she met actor Danny Thomas. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family
She loved gardening, sewing, cooking, playing cards and scratching tickets. She was a fan of the Boston Red Sox and was known for wearing high-heeled shoes.
She leaves her two loving and caring daughters Diane O'Brien and Michelle Kirby and her husband, Robert, all of North Adams; a sister, Margaret Ferris of North Adams; four grandchildren, Lisa Rennell and her husband, Aaron, Kristie O'Brien Henderson and her husband, Justin, Evan Kirby and Katelyn Kirby; four great-grandchildren, Allyson Elizabeth Rennell, Mollibeth Rennell, Ashleigh Diane Rennell and Reighan Marie Henderson; two sisters-in-law, Vina Ferris and Nellie Ferris, and nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
She was predeceased by her brothers Louis Ferris, Harry Ferris and Michael Ferris and a son-in-law, William O'Brien.
FUNERAL SERVICES - Funeral services for Ms. Ferris will take place Wednesday morning at 10:15 from Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 at St. Elizabeth's Church in North Adams. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery, North Adams.
Calling hours will be Tuesday evening from 4 to 7 at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital through the funeral home.