Freda M. Cochrane
1931 - 2016
Cochrane, Freda M. (nee Wagstaff) - It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the peaceful passing of our Mom, Ma, Sister, Aunt and friend on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 in Northwood Care Centre, Halifax. Freda was born in Port Greville in 1931 to the late Gilbert and Rebecca (Parsons) Wagstaff. She attended school in Port Greville and Parrsboro before continuing her education at the Provincial Normal College in Truro from 1949-50. In 1951, Freda married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) and they enjoyed 48 years together raising their two children in Port Greville, Sheet Harbour and Brookfield. Freda taught school for 9 years touching the hearts of all her students. In 1960, she made the decision to be a full time stay-at-home Mom, dedicating her life to her family. Freda played an active role in her church and community always willing to selflessly donate her time and efforts. She was a member of Unit 7 UCW in Brookfield, a life member of the Grace United Church Women's Group in Port Greville. Freda started volunteering with the Port Greville Age of Sail Museum in 1992 and served on the regular board until 2012 when she became an Honorary Board Member. Freda was devoted to the history of the area and a life size cutout of Freda and her husband, Bob stand in the museum's schoolroom display at the Age of Sail Museum. She was a wonderful baker, homemaker, seamstress and knitter and her friends and family were the lucky recipients of many homemade treasures over the years. Freda was instrumental in establishing the Robert Cochrane War Memorial in Port Greville. Her deep love for her family will be missed by us all. Freda is survived by her son, David , Advocate; daughter, Anna Marie Bates, and her husband, Brent, Fall River; grandsons, Gregory (Kristin), Edmonton, Alta.; Garrett, University of Regina, Sask.; brothers, Millard (Marguerite), Port Greville; Henry (Jackie), Edmonton, Alta.; sisters, Jean Thomas, Stoney Creek, Ont.; Dorothy Evans, Parrsboro; special family member, Sarah Wetmore, Fox River; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert; a son, Robert John in infancy; a brother, Charles Wagstaff; sister in law, Millie Wagstaff; brothers in law, Tommy Thomas and Phil Evans. Visitation will take place Friday, February 12, 2016 from 6-8 p.m. at Smith's Funeral Home, Parrsboro. Funeral will be held Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Grace United Church in Port Greville, Rev. Elizabeth Davies officiating. Interment will take place at a later date. A reception will follow funeral service at the FPW Fire Hall Community Centre in Port Greville. In loving memory of Freda, memorial donations may be made to Grace United Church Memorial Fund, the Age of Sail Heritage Centre, Port Greville, Northwood Care Centre, Halifax or to a charity of choice.
A special thank you to the staff of Northwood Care Centre for their caring, kindness and support.
