Ida L. (Ferris) Freeman

Ida L. (Ferris) Freeman, 92, of Worcester, a cherished matriarch and devoted family woman, passed away on February 24, 2025 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 21, 1932 in Bath, ME, daughter of Leslie (‘Skinny”) and Mildred (Shea) Ferris. She spent her life nurturing and supporting her loved ones with unwavering love, kindness and good humor.

She was known for her exceptional culinary skills, ensuring family gatherings were filled with delicious meals, sweet treats and warm laughter. Her home was a welcoming haven where generations gathered to share stories, celebrate milestones, play games and simply enjoy each other’s company. She was a pillar of strength, offering sage advice and a listening ear to all who sought her guidance.

Her proudest accomplishment was the family she raised together with her late beloved husband of 49 years, Anton O. Freeman. She is survived by her twelve children; her eight sons, Mark (Karin) Freeman of Rutland, Michael (Tina), John (Nancy), David, James (Cheryl), Daniel (Amy) and Dennis (Renee) Freeman all of Worcester and Stephen (Noelle) Freeman of Shrewsbury; four daughters, Karan (John) Dolan of Worcester, Kathleen (Steve) Valk of Reading, PA, Susan (David) Tessier of Worcester and Nancy Olson of Holden; 32 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren and many adoring in-laws, nieces and nephews and their offspring. She is predeceased by her parents, her brothers, Bernard and Russell Ferris; and her sister, Norma Ferris Duval.

She fostered the importance of a close family through strong family traditions like Christmas Eve with Santa, birthday celebrations and nearly 60 years of summer camping and lobster feeds at Chewonki Campground in Wiscasset, Maine. Her legacy of love, compassion, and family unity will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to visit the Freeman Family between 2 and 5 PM on Sunday, March 2nd at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St, Worcester.

Ida's life will be celebrated Monday, March 3rd, with a funeral Mass at 10 A.M. at Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester Memorial Park in Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ida's memory to the Worcester County Food Bank or The Mustard Seed, Worcester.