It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Freda Isabel (MacDougall) Milley. Freda passed away peacefully on April 4, 2025 at the age of 88 with her family by her side. Freda was born in Springfield West, Prince Edward Island, Canada. After the passing of her father, Freda and her family immigrated to her mother Irene’s hometown of Norwell, MA in 1946. Freda was always known for having a zest for life, and for engaging in many different and interesting activities. While attending Norwell High School, Freda was on the Norwell High School Women’s Basketball Team, was a member of the Norwell Grange, wrote the class song for the Norwell High School class of 1955, and worked at Shirley’s Restaurant in Norwell with her sister Irma.
After graduating, Freda worked for Sigma Instruments, was a summer waitress at the Wianno Country Club in Osterville, MA, and worked as a radio host for WARE in Ware, MA. A talented musician, Freda grew up playing piano “by ear” and had a beautiful alto voice. In her twenties, Freda took voice lessons and enjoyed singing at jazz clubs in Boston.
After relocating to Hingham and marrying her beloved Don in 1969, Freda stayed at home and was a devoted mom. Her hobbies were painting, gardening, ceramics, golf and playing video games with her grandchildren. The role most important to Freda was that of a devoted daughter, mom, sister, auntie, cousin, grammie and friend to her loved ones.
Freda is predeceased by her husband Don, and is survived by her daughter Barbara (Milley) Gorczyca, son in law, Gary Gorczyca, grandchildren Nicholas Gorczyca and Alexander Gorczyca, sister Irma Giglio, sister in law Evelyn Isbell, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visiting hours will take place from 10:00-11:00 AM and a funeral service at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 12 at the Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, 21 Pond St. Hingham, MA 02043. Burial will immediately follow at the High Street Cemetery, 19 High St., Hingham, MA 02043. Following the graveside service, friends and family are invited to a reception at the Hingham Congregational Church, 378 Main St. Hingham, MA 02043.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hingham Congregational Church, 378 Main St. Hingham, MA 02043, or the NVNA and Hospice, 120 Longwater Drive, Norwell, MA 02061 For more information and online guestbook go to www.downingchapel.com
