Margaret Elma Freed

Margaret was born in Winnipeg, Canada on January 17, 1919 and immigrated to the United States with her family in 1923. They settled in Livingston, CA where her father became a farmer and she developed her “strong work” ethics.

After graduating high school Margaret moved to San Francisco where she worked and met her husband, Mike. They had 3 daughters and in 1949, moved back to Livingston and the farm life. Margaret worked for Virgo Drug Store, Livingston Telephone Co., and the Pine Cone in Merced. In 1959, she sold her small farm and moved to Merced where she has resided ever since. She retired from the Pine Cone at the age of 70. She then became active in her church and community. At one time she was involved in over 10 groups.

She was active in the United Methodist Church Woman’s Group (UMW), UMC Estate Sale workers, Gateway Quilters Guild, Alter Society, Prayer Garden, Reading Groups, “Catch” after school program, Clothes Closet, Soup made for the Homeless Shelter, Docent at the Courthouse, coffee lady after church services, AARP, Merced Historical Society and Livingston Historical Society.

Margaret was known for her gardening skills and beautiful flower arrangements. She was a remarkable seamstress and quilter, an outstanding cook, baker and candy maker and hostess. Her jellies, jams and preserves where sent worldwide and earned precious dollars for her church and its missions. An avid reader, she belonged to numerous reading groups and always finished the morning crossword puzzles before writing her daily memoirs in her diary.

She was known to many as the “Jelly Lady” at her church Christmas bazaars. She polished the silver at the Methodist Estate Sales and ran the linen room and for many years led their group. She was the waitress at the Pine Cone who always knew your name and your favorite food or drink. An overachieving quilter that never missed a meeting.

Margaret loved dancing, swimming, travel, music, lunch with friends, a good movie and quiet time in her garden.

“A life well lived” is her legacy and she will be remembered as a “role model extradonier”.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Bernhard and Martha Wulff; brother, Siegwill Wulff and sister, Willfreida King.

She leaves behind her daughters, Marilyn Landolina, Maureen Roseire and Mildred Surdyke; grandchildren, Vincent Landolina, Robin Norris, Nancy Saguar, Scott Surdyke and Stasha Surdyke; great grandchildren, Matthew and Michael Norris, and Carmela Saguar; sister, Elsie Earl; nephews, Everett King, Bill, David and Gary Earl; niece, Francine Rivers; and her kitty, Sweetie Pie.

The family wishes to convey a special thank you to Mission Gardens, Hinds Hospice and the Mercy Hospital nurses for the kind and comforting staff who cared for Margaret in her final days.

A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church of Merced, 899 Yosemite Parkway, Merced, CA on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 11:00am with a luncheon to follow.