Freda MILLER

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MILLER: Freda Cora Lee Miller (née Seary) of Brandon, Manitoba passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at the age of 86 years. Freda was born on August 18, 1922 in Three Mile Plains, Windsor, Nova Scotia. She grew up on a farmstead there with seven brothers and sisters. Her father had a penchant for horses and Freda, an avid storyteller, often recounted the thrill of driving the horses into the barn. A self-taught musician longing to play an instrument, Freda began to experiment with the harmonica. Her abilities grew and mesmerized anyone who could coax her into an informal concert. Freda told many stories of school seen as a testing ground for life. She enjoyed social times, during her school years, but left early to work in a local factory. Her industrious nature was demonstrated by her extending each school day to complete her paper routes. She left home in her teens following the death of her mother. She described many happy times in those years. She enjoyed her work at Eaton’s as well as the social atmosphere in Halifax during the war years. During that time, she met Alvin who continued to court her when she moved to Ontario with her younger sister, Nita. Freda and Alvin wed in 1946 and Freda’s primary work in those years was raising their four children. She supported Alvin in his work and gaining further education. They were united in finding ways to provide their children with opportunities they, as elders, did not have. This included music lessons and opportunity for advanced education. Freda was interested in lively conversation on topics including religion and politics. She enjoyed carpentry, music and also had an interest in natural history. She displayed her grandmother’s “seamstress's eye” for fashion and enjoyed finding a fashion bargain to the end. Her varied life experiences eventually provided for her a rich understanding of others sorrows and she was a support to many who crossed her path. Freda is survived by her children: David (Sharon), Edith (John Fowlis), Wayne, John; grandchildren: Michael Miller, Shawn Belecki (Annie), Jennifer Devji (Arfan), Brent Belecki (Keri) and seven great grandchildren: Danika and Briana Miller, Brynn and Brooke Belecki and Reegan, Bo, and Eve Devji. Freda is also survived by her brother Robert Seary (Jean); sisters Nita Haynes and Myrtle Seary and sister-in-law Anglica (Dolly). She is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Freda was predeceased by her parents John and Blanche Seary, her husband Alvin, her brothers Norman, Herb and Roy, sister Irene Sweet, brothers-in-law Enoch Sweet, Jack Haynes and Eldred Miller, and sister- in-law, Audrey Skrine. The family would like to thank Doctors Davloor and Chaudhry and the caring staff at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Their support during Freda’s sudden illness is most appreciated. Viewing will take place on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 from 1:00 p.m.– 4: 00 p.m. at Brockie Donovan Funeral Home, 332-8th Street. Interment will take place on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Souris and Glenwood Cemetery, Souris, Manitoba. A memorial service will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Harvey Hurren officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Freda may be made to a charity of choice. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 10, 2009