She was a devoted nurse and diabetes educator who loved her patients. She cared for them with compassion, patience, and grace. Her calling to serve others was evident in the way she gave of herself so freely, always seeing her work as a ministry of healing. Outside of her profession, she was an avid quilter, finding joy and peace in creating beautiful pieces stitched with love. She had a deep love for animals and found great comfort in gardens, where she especially delighted in roses. She also had a special gift in the kitchen, where her cooking brought comfort and togetherness to those around her. She cherished time spent with her family and delighted in spoiling them, especially her beloved granddaughter. She especially loved holidays, with Christmas and Halloween holding a special place in her heart, as they allowed her to celebrate, give generously, and create lasting memories. Her life was rooted in faith, and she took great pride in the family she nurtured, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and devotion to God.
Gene came home early from LSU due to snow closing the campus. Gene called all the girls he could think of for a date to attend a basketball game without luck. Gene’s sister Mary suggested he call “Silly Betty” who he had photographed at an earlier basketball game. Betty Elaine Freeland agreed to attend the game with him. That was their first date on January 13, 1973, that eventually led to their marriage on June 3, 1978.
She was preceded in death by her parents John Ed Freeland, Sr. and Florence Hyde Freeland, her mother-in-law Alice Leger Salassi and her father-in-law Eddie E Salassi, as well as her brothers Chester Freeland and John Ed Freeland, Jr.
She is survived by her husband of over 47.5 years Eugene Salassi, son John Salassi (Lyndsey Do), daughter Kate Salassi (Brandon Navarre), Kate’s daughter Kylie Boutwell, sisters; Cecilia (Tish) Freeland Brock, Florence Freeland Beard (James), Jessie Belle Freeland, sister-in-law, Mary Salassi-Scotter (James), brother, James "Jim" Freeland (Jan), brother-in-law, Charles Salassi (Mary Pelas), nephews Robert Peters (Dena), Emil Onken (Jeri), Jeff Freeland, Dwayne Sonnier (Katie), Roland Freeland (Reysa), Ronald Freeland (Courtney), Brennan Freeland (Renee), Ryan Freeland (Amy), nieces Jessica Carnes (Conrad), Kathleen Jones (Victor), Evelyn Greenwood (Bryan), Cecilia Jernigan, Michelle Leleaux (Mike), Cathy Hoyt (Scrappy), Rebecca Freeland, Heather Freeland, Beth Holland (John), Michelle Scotter, and Suzie Freeland (Brent).
Pallbearers: John Salassi, Charles Salassi, Emil Onken, Dwayne Sonnier, Jeff Freeland, Conrad Carnes, Melward Doucet Jr (honorary), Mark Boudreaux (honorary), Brandon Navarre (honorary), James Beard (honorary) and Melward J Doucet Sr (honorary).
The family will welcome relatives and friends at Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh on Sunday, December 21, 2025 beginning at 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a rosary to be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will resume on Monday, December 22, 2025 beginning at 8:00 a.m. until the procession leaves for the church at 9:45 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be immediately follow at Our Lady of Seven Dolor Mausoleum.
Please leave fond memories for the Salassi family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.
