Freda Savio (Watkins)

Freda (Watkins) Savio, 92, of New Britain, wife of the late James R. Savio, Sr., died Wednesday (April 17, 2013) at St. Mary Home in West Hartford. Born in Ashby, MA on August 17, 1920, she was the last survivor of 10 children born to Charles B. and Mary Louise (Gooley) Watkins. Freda owned and operated the “Beauty Shack” in the town of Townsend, MA for over 20 years. After becoming a single parent at the age of 44 she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher, moved to New Britain, and enrolled in Central Connecticut State College, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree at the University of Hartford, and her Sixth-Year Certificate at St. Joseph’s College, all while raising two young children and teaching Special Education at Frank O. Jones School and Martin Luther King Junior Elementary School, both in Hartford. After her retirement, she volunteered her different skills to schools throughout the state. She was and still is an inspiration to all women who find themselves facing the impossible. Her great motto was, “You can do it!”

Freda was an accomplished pianist, loved the ocean, and took every opportunity to dance. She loved to make people laugh, and was always able to laugh at herself, a gift that she passed on. Freda was the most sought after Master of Ceremonies at the “Roasts” honoring her fellow teachers while she worked. She loved her family most of all, and was not only an inspiration for them to go after and excel at whatever made them happy, but was also a driving force behind their dreams. Her faith in God was unshakeable, and this was also something she passed on to others as often as she could.

She is survived by her son, Charles L. Clough, III and his wife Jourdan of San Tan Valley, AZ, her daughter, Jean L. Weidlich of Newington, nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and her very special friend, Marie Stella of West Hartford.

A celebration of Freda’s life will be held on Friday, May 3rd at 11:00 am at the Church of Christ, Congregational, 1075 Main Street, Newington, with The Rev. Dr. Stephen Austin officiating. Burial will be private. There are no calling hours. The D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Freda’s name to Masonicare Partners Home Health and Hospice, 111 Founders Plaza, Suite 200, East Hartford, CT 06108 or Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 290338, Wethersfield, CT 06129-0338. For an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.desopo.com.