Dorothy M. (Johnson) Freeland, 95, died Wednesday, November 19, 2008 in the Lutheran Healthcare Center, formerly the Lutheran Home of Worcester. She was predeceased by her husband, Frederic J. Freeland, who died in 1999 after 60 years of marriage. She leaves a daughter, Marilyn E. Hildick, of Holden; two grandchildren: Beth A. Stark and her husband, Kevin, Brent A. Hildick and his wife, Jayne plus seven great-grandchildren: Devin, Emily, Laura, Ethan and Abigail Hildick and Connor and Alyssa Stark. She was predeceased by a brother, Helge W. Johnson of Worcester.
Dorothy was born in Worcester, daughter of John and Alfrida (Enander) Johnson. She was educated in the Worcester Public Schools and graduated early from Commerce High School as she had completed her studies and had a job at the Massachusetts Bonding and Insurance Company. She became the main support of her family during the Great Depression instead of attending Worcester Normal School to become a teacher. She worked part-time at Astra Pharmaceutical Company and later in the Nursing Office at the Memorial Hospital for many years.
Dorothy was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and as a homemaker an excellent cook and baker and an accomplished seamstress, knitter and crocheter. She was an avid crossword puzzle solver. Dorothy was a charter member of Trinity Lutheran and very devoted to her faith. Dorothy resided at the Lutheran Home for many years in the rest home and later in the nursing home. During all the years, she received loving and skilled care from the staff.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 21, 2008 in the nave of Trinity Lutheran Church, 73 Lancaster Street, Worcester. Burial will be in the All Faiths Cemetery. Calling hours will be held at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, Worcester on Thursday, November 20, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mission Endowment Fund, Trinity Lutheran Church, 73 Lancaster Street, Worcester, MA 01609; or to the Lutheran Healthcare Staff Appreciation Fund, 26 Harvard Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or to Evercare Hospice, 950 Winter Street, Suite 4830, Waltham, MA 02451. For directions and on-line condolences, please click on link below.