Eileen M. (Young) Freres

Eileen M. Freres, age 88, passed away Monday, July 2, 2012, at Ridgewood Care Center. Eileen was born in Racine on April 6, 1924, daughter of the late Calvin and Leona (Nee: Lochowitz) Young and was a lifelong resident of Racine. Eileen was a graduate of St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1942.” Prior to her marriage, Eileen was employed by Dumore Manufacturing.

On April 22, 1944, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Racine she was united in marriage to James “Jim” Freres and from this union they were blessed with eight children: Patricia (Charles) Stinger of Madison, James (preceded her in death in April of 2000) and his wife, Joleen Freres of Austin, TX, Peggy (Charles) Granger of Elkhorn, John (Julie ) Freres, Janet (Steven) Ramig, Jean (John) Schoenwaelder, all of Racine, Nicholas (Barbara) Freres of Milwaukee, Stephen (Susan) Freres of Racine; 24 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lois Young of Racine, Donald (Kottie) Freres of Kenosha, LaVerne (Thomas) LaFleur of Racine, Betty Freres of NH; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

In addition to her parents and son, she was preceded in death by her brother, Raymond Young; and cousin, Valrie Young.

Eileen was a very active and longtime member of St. Rita’s Catholic Church and was employed as church secretary. She loved working within the church in all aspects such as president of Christian Mothers, Marriage Enrichment Counselor, taught RCIC Classes, was a Eucharistic Minister, a lector commentator, and Jail Ministry. She also volunteered at fund raisers and festivals such as Mothers' Day Roses, Bingo, Family Festival and Parish Christmas Breakfast. Through her life commitment to the church she became Affiliate member of the Augustinian Order. Eileen was a devoted volunteer with St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary and was ticket chairperson for Cardiac Capers.

Very talented and artistic, Eileen enjoyed sewing, furniture upholstery, and made many beautifully crafted needlepoint creations. Above all she was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished time with her family. She will be deeply missed by many.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, July 7, 2012, at 11 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Ave. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m. Memorials to St. Rita Church Capital Fund or Respect Life Program at St. Luke’s Pavilion have been suggested.

A special thank you to the staffs at Ridgewood Care Center and Hospice Alliance for their loving and compassionate care. 

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888