Beverly Jeanne Daggett Freda Obituary
Beverly Jeanne Daggett Freda, age 97, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in her sleep at CareOne at Essex Park in Beverly, Massachusetts.
Born on January 7, 1929, in Barre, Vermont, Beverly was the daughter of Dorothy and Philip Daggett. She attended Fisher Junior College and earned a degree in dental assisting, beginning a career that took her to Boston, where she worked with dedication and compassion.
Beverly married the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Freda, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and hospitality while raising their family in Gloucester, Massachusetts. After retirement, they moved to Elmore, Vermont, where they enjoyed being close to their grandchildren and embraced the beauty and slower pace of life. Following Bob's passing in 2008, Beverly remained in Vermont until 2019, when she returned to Gloucester to be closer to her children.
Family was the center of Beverly's life. Her deep faith, generous spirit, and caring nature touched everyone who knew her. She was an active member of many Episcopal churches throughout her life, including the Church of the Advent in Boston, St. John's Church in Gloucester, St. John's in Stowe, Vermont, and Christ Church in Hamilton. She served on the vestry for many years, volunteered in church thrift shops, she helped run the Girls Friendly Society with two of her dearest lifelong friends, Jean Dyett and Nancy Harrison, at St. John's in Gloucester, organized fundraisers, and devoted countless hours to making stuffed animals and handcrafted items for annual church fairs. Her family affectionately called her a "professional volunteer" because she found so much joy in serving others.
Her volunteer work extended well beyond the church. She gave many years of service to Copley Hospital in Morrisville, Vermont, and to the Elmore Town Library, where she continued volunteering until she was 90 years old. Being around people was one of Beverly's greatest joys, and she believed that serving others was one of life's greatest privileges.
An accomplished craft artist and wonderful cook, she delighted in creating beautiful things with her hands and welcoming family and friends into her home. Whether sharing a meal, lending a helping hand, or simply making others laugh with her quick wit and warm sense of humor, Beverly had a remarkable way of making people feel loved. She remained resilient, spirited, and true to herself throughout her life.
She is lovingly remembered by her children, Wayne Freda, Faith Freda, Matthew Freda, and Nancy Freda; her beloved daughter-in-law, Lisa Freda; her grandchildren, Charles, Ryan, Marcel, Vincent, Hannah, and Samantha; her great-grandchildren, Shyla, Lillian, Gracie, Theodore, Amelia, Atlee, Franklyn, and Sullivan; her great-great-grandchildren, Indigo and Violet; her dear Kumph nieces and nephews and many other beloved relatives and friends.
She also leaves behind devoted caregivers who became like family to her over the years, including Marie, Brian, April, Sandi, Debbie, Sue, Chili, Dianne, Aunt Sylvia, Fozzie and more.
A private service will be held for the family, with a celebration of Beverly's life to be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Beverly would simply ask that you honor her memory by showing kindness to someone, sharing a smile, lending a helping hand, or making someone laugh today. She believed these small acts of love could brighten the world, and there would be no greater tribute to her life.
A Celebration of Life will be held on a day and time to be announced.
