Freda M. Thornton

Mrs. Thornton was born on March 15, 1919 in Middletown, Conn., the youngest daughter of William and Anne McCann. In October of 1953, she married James Thornton, a native of New Haven, Conn. and veteran of the Second World War.

Freda worked many years as a telephone operator before turning her attention to her creative skills, working as seamstress for her friend, Norma Grove. However her true passions were spending time in her basement “workshop” and maintaining her backyard garden. Freda was a gifted and generous artisan, filling the homes of her families and friends with the crafts and furniture she constructed.

Freda had a unique affinity for the outdoors. She loved to camp and picnic with friends and family, and enjoyed the wildlife the Southern coast of Connecticut offered. Her affection for animals was on display with the official (and “unofficial”) pets she looked after. Later in life, she stayed active with local clubs and recreational leagues.

Freda was predeceased by her husband, James, two sisters, Margaret Frame and Wilma Grassl and a nephew, Brian Grassl. Freda is survived by her daughter, Tracy Beattie, and son-in-law, Chuck Beattie, as well as her two grandchildren, Mark and Kelly Beattie. Freda also leaves nieces Barbara Malin, Diane Wicks, April Holeva, and Cindy Russell, nephews James, David and Paul Wicks, and a sister-in-law, Catherine Wicks.

Family and friends will be warmly received in the Swan Funeral Home on Saturday,

April 28. A calling hour will be held 11:00 AM - noon. A service will follow, with the burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Killingworth, Conn.

Those who wish to remember Freda by way of a memorial contribution in her name are kindly asked to consider the Home Health Care or Hospice Program of the Gardner Visiting Nursing Association, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440. Please find the GVNA on the web at http://www.gardnervna.org/Make-a-Donation.html or by phone 978-632-1230.

Arrangement have been entrusted to Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT (203) 245-2488. Please visit www.swanfuneralhomemadison.com. to leave an online tribute or condolence.