Freda E. Hudson Burton, never met a stranger
With profound sadness we announce the passing of Freda E. Hudson Burton Monday, July 26, 2021, after a long illness. A native of Lewes, she was born in Beebe Hospital March 5, 1937, daughter of the late Richard T. Hudson Sr. and Myrtle E. (Veasey) Hudson.
Freda's Sussex County roots ran deep, being the youngest of 12 Hudson siblings raised in Harbeson, and the granddaughter of George and Virginia Veasey of Coolspring.
She never met a stranger, always had a big smile, and was willing to help anyone in need. Freda was blessed with a group of girlfriends from Lewes, many of whom were best friends for over 50 years. One could count on seeing "The Golden Girls" (Freda, Marlys Cowen, Barbara Jean Yeager, Charlotte Bastian and Ann Moore) with their laughter and cheers filling the air as they watched Cape football and field hockey, chairs front row at the Lewes Christmas and DooDah parades, and toes tapping during summer performances at Stango Park.
Freda was well known for her baking skills, and after raising her family, established "Freda's Favorites." She sold her selection of sweet breads and cakes in many local businesses, bed and breakfasts, and produce stands throughout eastern Sussex County until her retirement.
As a lifetime member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Freda could be found volunteering at the annual July art show, church dinners, bake sales, and in the church store. Some of her happiest days during the past year were seeing the new steeple cross installed and the beautifully renovated interior.
Freda enjoyed organizing the annual Hudson-Veasey family reunions for many decades and monthly breakfasts with the clan elders. She looked forward to these family get-togethers and catching up on family news. Freda was extremely close with her cousins, as well as 15 nephews and 13 nieces.
Freda's family sends a special thank you to her aides: Yuriah, Carmose, Brenda, and Kenicia for their compassion, and to the team at Delaware Hospice, their heartfelt gratitude for ensuring a peaceful and comfortable end to a long, well-lived life.
Most of all, Freda loved her family and those who called her Mom, Grandma, Grammy, Gigi, sister, aunt, or friend. She was loved by many and will be deeply missed.
In addition to her parents, Freda was preceded in death by her brothers: William, Frederick, Richard Jr., Francis, and Edward Hudson; her sisters: Virginia Stripp, Mildred Christfield, Betty Shilling, and Shirley Hudson; and her eldest son, William (Skip) Virden Burton III. She is survived by her children: Chris Hocker Allen (Bob) of Ocean View, Bruce R. Burton of Milton, Sandra Burton Strahosky (Bill) of Mechanicsburg Pa., Charles R. (Randy) Burton (Riki) of Lewes and Collette Pepper of Bridgeville; her 16 treasured grandchildren: Brad Allen (Rachel) and Blair Allen (Laura), Bruce Burton Jr., Carey Burton, Joseph Bradford, Crystal Bradford, Dustin Bradford (Laura), Jessica Bradford, and Lynn Bradford, Charlie Burton, Will Burton, and Bennie Burton, Ian Cosgrove, and Taylor Harrigan, Mike Harrigan, and Justin Harrigan; her 10 beloved great-grandchildren: Chloe Allen, Miles Allen, Kaylee Bradford, Tyler Bradford, Patrick Bradford, Starr Bradford, Hayden Bradford, Kason Bradford, Juliana Bradford, and Bonita Bradford; and her brothers: Joseph Hudson of Lewes and Robert Hudson of Seaford.
Freda's life will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Second Street, Lewes, Monday, Aug. 9, at noon, with visitation beginning in the church at 11 a.m. Masks must be worn by any and all attending or participating in any aspect of the services. Interment will be private at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Pilottown Road, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Freda's memory to the Beebe Medical Foundation, c/o Tunnell Cancer Center, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes DE 19958.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Please visit Freda’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
