Vonda Jule Freeman

Vonda Jule Freeman, 94 years of age, died at Brandon Regional Hospital on February 17 after suffering a pulmonary embolism and other critical medical problems. In her final hours she was comforted by her long-time friend and companion, 97-year-old Jeannette (Jean) Green, and three other close friends who have attended both ladies as caregivers.

Vonda grew up in the town of Marion, Iowa (a suburb of Cedar Rapids). She was the seventh of eight children born to Ethmer and Laura (Stobaugh) Freeman. Her six siblings (the first boy did not survive infancy) all married and Vonda gradually became the aunt of nineteen nieces and nephews.

After graduation from Marion High School in 1950, Vonda set her sights on becoming a member of the U. S. Navy. In August, 1952 she boarded a train for Bainbridge, Maryland to begin her orientation training, popularly known as Boot Camp. Her only real disappointment at that time was learning that women musicians were not accepted in the U. S. Navy Band. Having mastered the art of playing the Sousaphone as a high school student and being a member of the school's marching band, her dream had included pursuing that passion in the Navy Band. Instead, she was channeled into the job field of Storekeeper which involved working within the many facets of the Navy's supply system. Over the next ten years, she served in Seattle, Washington; San Diego, California; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and Jacksonville, Florida. On several occasions she was assigned to duties not in her job field but requiring special abilities and talent in leadership and public relations. One of these was performing as a Navy Recruiter for a four-year period which earned her high marks of achievement.

As her second enlistment neared completion, Vonda made the difficult decision to leave the Navy. Despite a colorful and rewarding career, it appeared that her numerous assignments outside of the Supply field made it difficult, if not impossible, to gain the experience and knowledge she would need to advance to higher levels of performance in that area of naval service. So, she joined the civilian work force and found rewarding employment in the many areas where she lived. But her association with the Navy was not over. In 1974 she decided to resume her status as a Navy Wave and joined the U. S. Naval Reserve. Over the next sixteen years she participated in the Active Reserve Program fulfilling requirements for advancement and, eventually, retirement from the Naval Reserve. Her total service, including the first ten years in the regular Navy plus sixteen years as an active Reservist, qualified her for retirement with full benefits.

Along the way she teamed up with her friend Jean Green with whom she had served in Jacksonville and they lived in such places as Omaha, Nebraska; Long Beach, California; and in the northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D. C. while Jean completed her eligibility for retirement from the Navy.

Vonda's story would be incomplete if it failed to mention her compassionate love for animals. She could never pass by an animal in distress and she rescued a number of dogs and cats finding new forever homes for them. Since purchasing their first home in Springfield, Virginia in 1971, Vonda and Jean have "parented" six dogs and two cats; five of which were "rescues." Their furry "adoptees" received continuous loving care throughout their lives. With Vonda's passing, fifteen-year-old Cassie (a sweet cockapoo) continues to live with Jean in her Assisted Living Facility apartment. Together they will share the memories of their dear friend Vonda until they are reunited in Heaven.

A Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026 followed by military honors at St Matthews Anglican Church, 10701 Bloomingdale Avenue, Riverview, Florida. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church. Burial will take place in Cedar Memorial Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in the family plot. All friends and visitors are invited to a Celebration of Vonda's life to be held in the Church Parish Hall following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that donations be made in her memory to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 424 E. 92nd Street, New York, New York 10128, and/or Humane Society of Tampa Bay, 3607 Armenia Avenue, Tampa FL 33607. Online donations can be made through their respective websites.