Freda Virginia (Hopper) Sensney went home to be with the Lord on March 3, 2017, passing peacefully, her family at her side. Freda made notes over the last several years as to her life, well lived, and wished these thoughts shared, titling her writings, “My Life as I Remember It!”
“Freda Virginia (Hopper) Sensney was born May 20, 1918 in her Grandmas house in Savannah, Georgia, the eldest of three children born to Mable (Hatcher) Hopper and H. Alfred Hopper. In 1920 Mr. Hopper moved the family west settling in the small Idaho town of Clark Fork. My father was employed by Nesbeth Brothers who built many of the bridges in the Northwest.
I was educated in Idaho schools from first grade to college, and in 1941 moved to Spokane to seek employment. I spent a short time as receptionist for Appleway Motors then moved on to begin working at Warn & Warn a large shoe and accessory store for six happy years.
In April 1946 I married Marine Major Maloy (Pat) Sensney in Spokane. After a brief stay in Seattle, Maloy joined Oris Hamilton in Prosser in the practice of law.
I became active in many of the towns civic organizations, Prosser UGN, Prosser Memorial Hospital Foundation, States Day, American Legion Auxiliary, and Chamber of Commerce. Kindergarten was not apart of the public school when the boys were ready, so I and a great group of women started a kindergarten. The American legion gave us use of their hall and Prosser had a kindergarten! The next year the people voted it into the public school!
I loved the theater and with the encouragement from Robert Gay, then the owner editor of the Prosser Record-Bulletin, organized a little theater group named the Gay Players. They performed all the great classic plays for five years before disbanding. I also loved fashion, and did commentary for many style shows from Sunnyside to Richland. My favorite was the historical show at the opening of the Prosser museum.
I and Maloy traveled extensively visiting most of the United States as well as the world. I always regretted not getting to Antarctica and South Africa. We traveled with many friends and family, including special fellow travelers, Wayne and Shyla Hogue.
In 1971 along with my friend the late Marion Kirkpatrick opened Welcome Aboard Travel in Richland later moving my office to Grandview until retiring in 1996, to travel with my good friend Joan Otness. We had a great time together.
I was a great reader being a member of Prosser’s oldest women’s book club (Anti Rust), love to cook, garden and entertaining. I loved people but was a somewhat private person. In 2002 I received a certificate of appreciation from the City of Prosser for my community support and interest in city projects. In 2009 the Chamber of Commerce selected me as its outstanding citizen.
I looked forward to lunches with my good friends LaDonna, and Kathy.
I especially enjoyed the time spent with my family, watching the grandkids and then their children my great-grandkid, at our annual family birthday parties as we have a lot of April and May birthdays. Patrick and I share the birthdates.
I’m off on the final journey – I look forward to it but I’ll miss all of you, but don’t mourn me, after all I’m just going home!
Freda is preceded in death by my husband Maloy (Pat) Sensney, sister Jean Corkery, and her brother H. Alfred Hopper JR.”
Freda is survived by three children Stephen Sensney, Prosser, Michael (Pam) Sensney, Kent, WA. and Debra Sensney, Bellevue, WA., Niece’s Colleen Meyer, Yakima WA., and Kathy (Jim) Spencer, Spokane WA. Helen (Hal) Samson Danville, CA., Nephew’s Br. Marcellus Corkery, Montreal Canada and Doug (wife) Mary Ellice Bandelin, Renton WA., Grand-Children, ShawnDora Nelli (Ron), KaCe (Brian) Brooks, Patrick (Ellie) Sensney, Michelle (James) Allan, Ron (Marie) Hartley, and 16 Great-Grand-children.
At Freda’s request no memorial service will be held, join her family in celebrating her life on March 25, 2017, at Alexandria Nicole Cellars, Lee Road, Prosser from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Prosser Memorial Hospital Foundation, or Prosser Boys & Girls Club.
Prosser Funeral Home & Crematory are in charge of the arrangements. You may leave a message for the family at www.prosserfuneralhome.com