Frances "Freda" Elfreda Chisholm

CHISHOLM, Frances Elfreda "Freda" (1933 - 2021) - passed away at Caritas Residence, Halifax on September 29, 2021.  Born in Pools Cove, NL, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Tryphena (Miles) Marshall - one of 10 children.  

Some of our mom’s favourite memories include family picnics at her grandfather’s mill, collecting and cooking lobster bodies which she got from a nearby lobster factory, swimming in Sandy Pond - a favourite place of all the children in the community - and sleigh riding on the various hills in the winter time.

Freda is survived by her children Dave (Barb), Edmonton, AB; Joann (Lee), Cambridge, NS; Darlene (Alfred), Halifax, NS; Derrick (Diane), Prospect Bay, NS, 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, brother Clar of Glovertown, NL plus many nieces and nephews to whom she was known as ‘Aunt Freda’.  She was predeceased by son, Eugene, brothers Nelson J.W., George (aka Joe), Clyde, Cecil, Nelson, Lloyd, and sisters Ethel (survived by husband, Martin Saunders) and Mabel (survived by husband, Sam Johnson).  

Dementia robbed our mother of her memories and quality of life; we are thankful she is no longer in its grasp.  We remember an amazing single parent in a time when social services weren’t available to lighten her load.  She selflessly provided for both our emotional and physical needs.  We remember a woman who knew how to laugh in spite of life’s heartaches.  We remember the tales of her little outpost community in Newfoundland where she grew up.  One of the greatest lessons she taught us was to laugh in spite of the obstacles life puts in our path.

Mom would tell you that her most life-changing experience took place at Full Gospel Church when it was located on North Street in Halifax.  At the close of a service, someone came up to her and asked her if everything was right between her and the Lord.  At that moment she made it right - and it transformed her life. The hurt and pains of life were all put behind her and she started truly living.  As a family we know her prayers and faith have carried us through our own challenges in life.  

Words don’t adequately express the gratitude we, as a family, have for the staff of Precision Health (especially Gwen, Wendy, Krista, Carly, Ann and Naomi).  They cared for her as if she was their own grandmother; and for that we will forever be grateful.  We also want to acknowledge the love and care of her friend of fifty plus years, Mrs. Mary Giffin, who was also her roommate at the Precision facility.  Mary was also her spiritual mentor and support.  We would also like to recognize the Caritas staff for their care in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Brigadoon where her grandson, Jay, has participated in the annual ‘Big Swim’ fundraiser.  (Camp Brigadoon gives ‘extraordinary kids a chance to be ordinary’.  You can donate and learn more about this amazing non-profit organization at www.Brigadoonvillage.org ). Internment will be in Pools Cove, NL at a later date. 

To quote one of mom’s Newfie phrases…”Get aboard your own...time to ‘crean ‘er up.”  If you need a translation, ask us...we’ll fill you in!

A celebration of our mom's life will take place Thursday, October 7 at 2:00 p.m. at Full Gospel Church, 2256 Larry Uteck Blvd., Bedford, NS.  COVID protocols are in place and all guests must provide proof of vaccination and wear a mask.  The service will be live-streamed; please go to: www.fgchalifax.ca 

The family would like to thank Andrew George of East Coast Memorial for his professionalism and compassion during the arrangement process. 

No Newfie funeral would be complete without offering your guests a spot of tea and a cookie.  Unfortunately, COVID restrictions don't allow us to have a reception at this time.  So, the next best thing is to provide you with one of the cookie recipes our mom was famous for making.  We hope you'll take the opportunity to make them and enjoy them with a cup of tea.

SPICED GINGER MOUNDS

2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon cloves

1 teaspoon ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup shortening

1 cup granulated sugar + extra sugar to roll the cookie balls in

1 egg

1/4 cup molasses

- Combine flour, baking soda, spices and salt. 

- Cream together shortening and sugar.  Beat in egg and molasses until light and fluffy.

- Stir in dry ingredients and shape into balls (about 1" in diameter) and roll each in granulated sugar.  Place on greased baking sheet about 2" apart.

Bake at 325F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.  Makes 4 dozen cookies. 

There was a time when I was free to live my life in harmony, before the illness which blighted me, swept faces and places from my mind, people I loved from my memory.  Remember me as I used to be.  Think of me, remember my smile, the love we shared; linger awhile.  I am at peace now, I am me, at rest for all eternity.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frances "Freda" Elfreda Chisholm, please visit our floral store.