Ann W. Freed, wife of the late Dr. Edwin D. Freed, died at the age of 102 on December 18, 2023, at OrrVilla Retirement Community in Orrville, Ohio. She had enjoyed her last years of life in an assisted living apartment there, praising the care she received and loving, and being loved by, the compassionate and devoted staff.
Ann was born on August 31, 1921, to Pauline Dreese and L. Banks Wetzel in Beaver Springs, Pennsylvania, where she grew up. She lived most of her adult life in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, until 1987, when she and her husband moved to Wooster, Ohio. She is survived by two daughters, Julie A. Gitt of York, Pennsylvania, and Jane F. Roberts of Wooster, Ohio, plus seven grandchildren and many great grandchildren.
Throughout her life, Ann attended and actively participated in Lutheran churches, enjoyed classical music and playing the piano, volunteered with various charities, loved to travel and was a skilled photographer, cared deeply about social and racial justice, followed events around the world, created various kinds of beautiful needlework, and was an avid reader. She appreciated the beauty of all seasons and every aspect of nature.
Most of all, Ann was devoted to her family, supporting her husband throughout their long marriage, caring for elderly relatives, and dearly loving her two daughters and their families. Ann will be remembered for her loving kindness, her strong will and independent spirit, and her ever present curiosity and sharp intellect.
Private family services will be held.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
For anyone who desires to honor Ann’s memory, please consider donations to Maple Terrace of OrrVilla Retirement Community at 333 E. Sassafras St., Orrville, Ohio, 44667. We are deeply grateful to all of you who loved and supported us through Ann’s final weeks.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
So sad to hear of the passing of my sister-in-law, Ann Wetzel Freed. She was a great lady and we enjoyed playing piano duets on several occasions when we visited her and her husband in Ohio and elsewhere. Her sight-reading ability was amazing. I have also recently had the opportunity to appreciate her talents as a writer when I consulted “From Then to Now: The Story of My Life” for details of the Wetzel family ancestry. She wrote this impressive tome in her 88th year. My thoughts are with Julie and Jane and their families which she loved so well.
I will miss my sweet Ann, my chocolate buddy. My like was blessed to have known you. Fly high my angel friend
I use to clean for Ed and Ann and they were both caring and I always looked forward to going to spend part of my day with them. Ann always gave me a tip and said to “get some lunch”. She had the best smile! I’m so glad I got to meet and spend time with them. My condolences to the family.
Dear Jane. I am so happy I read the Gettysburg Times the day it mentioned your mother’s passing. You’ll be surprised to find that I graduated from The College of Wooster. I remember your sweet mother and father fondly ~ when they lived on Minister’s Row. I would love to hear from you anytime. djmg77@gmail.com. Gail
Dear Julie-
I read of your mother’s passing in The Gettysburg Times and just had to reach out to my dear friend of almost 60 years ago. My condolences go out to you and Jane and your families.
I’d dearly love to reconnect and share our life stories.
With my sympathy,
Demmie
Dear Julie-
I read of your mother’s passing in The Gettysburg Times and just had to reach out to my dear friend of almost 60 years ago. My condolences go out to you and Jane and your families.
I’d dearly love to reconnect and share our life stories.
With my sympathy,
Demmie
deardord@innernet.net