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WARREN -- Mary Elizabeth Freer, 92, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Ohio Living Lake Vista.
She was born on April 10, 1932, in Burrell Township, Pa.
After graduating from Blairsville High School, Mary became a resident of Warren, Ohio, where she embarked on a career as an executive secretary. She ventured across the country to work in real estate in San Diego, California, returning to Warren to work in the office of patent attorney Mike Williams. She then joined the office of Packard Electric, where she met her husband, Donald. They wed on Feb. 11, 1956, and were married for nearly 68 years.
Mary raised two children, Susan and Thomas, while traveling with Don throughout the Space Race. She supported Don's career with Rocketdyne, a division of North American Aviation, which was integral to the U.S. military missile defense program as well as the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo NASA programs. Mary and Don lived in Huntsville, Alabama, Canoga Park, California and Cape Canaveral, Florida. Mary was a gracious hostess of executive parties, family picnics and holiday gatherings. Wherever her travels led, she connected with people from all walks of life.
Upon returning to Warren, Mary supported the administration of Raychem Corporation, which developed breakthrough technologies in radiation chemistry that were utilized by aerospace and military entities, including the M-1 Abrams Tank Program. She later worked as a secretary for Howland Springs Water Company, where she became dear friends with Doris "Doe" Offerdahl. She retired from the Mahoning County Department of Job and Family Services, State of Ohio.
Mary maintained active involvement with her husband in the 91st Bomb Group Memorial Association and the 8th Air Force Association. She devotedly served as Adjutant for the Mahoning Valley Chapter of Ex-POWs. She enjoyed attending numerous World War II reunions with her husband, forming lasting friendships with veterans and their families.
Mary had many hobbies, including bowling, baking, needlepoint, knitting, literature, crossword puzzles and maintaining a meticulously balanced checkbook. A devoted sports fan, she loved attending games of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers and ferociously cheering on the Cleveland Indians and The Ohio State Buckeyes. She attended church at Blessed Sacrament Parish. She enjoyed spending winters with Don in Fort Myers, Naples and Cocoa Beach, Florida. She took great pride in nurturing her two granddaughters, Kayla and Kristen and was always present and supportive of their endeavors. She inspired smiles in everyone who met her and she made the world sweeter through her quiet grace, enduring faith and positive outlook.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Don; her sister, Florence; and her brother, David.
She is survived by her daughter, Susan M. (Karl) Boye, son, Thomas M. Freer of Howland; and two granddaughters, Kayla Boye and Lt. Kristen Boye (USN, VX-31 Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California).
Calling hours will be 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., with funeral services to follow at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Carl W. Hall Funeral Home.
Interment will be in Howland Township Cemetery.
Donations may be made, in Mary's memory, to Disabled American Veterans or to American Legion Charities, Howland Post 700.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Carl W. Hall Funeral Home.
(special notice)