Frieda (Bordewieck) Symmes, long active in Franklin civic affairs, passed away peacefully on October 27 in Milford Regional Medical Center. She was 96 years old. She was the wife of William A. Symmes for the past 74 years.
Born in Natick, July 1, 1920, the daughter of the late Carl and Adelaide (Woodward) Bordewieck, she was educated in Sherborn and Wellesley schools. Frieda moved to Franklin upon her marriage in 1941.
She graduated from Simmons College in 1972.
She was the former office manager of Life Instrument Company in Franklin and later a Realtor in Greater Boston and on Cape Cod.
In addition, she served a number of terms as a member and Chair of the Franklin School Committee during the 1960’s and 1970’s. Until recently, she was an active member of the Franklin Republican Town Committee.
She was a past member of the Aldenettes, the League of Women Voters and the Massachusetts Federation of Taxpayers. Frieda had also been a Girl Scout leader for five years.
In addition to her husband she is survived by her children, Lorna Doubet of Franklin, Cheryl Cushman of Millis, Heidi Crawford of Redmond, WA, and Donald Symmes of Washington, DC.
She is also survived by four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 1 from 4:30-7:30 pm in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com)131 Main Street, Franklin.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 2 at 11:00 a.m. In the Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street, Franklin.
The family suggests donations in her memory be made to the Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation, 14 Prospect Street, Milford, MA 01757, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute,450 Brookline Ave. Boston MA 02215 or the Alzheimer’s’ Foundation ,480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472.