Mary Elise Freeman

Mary E. Freeman, 80, died Friday evening at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Perrysburg with her family by her side. She was born October 17, 1928 in Erie, Penn. to Dr. Frederick W. and Florence Underhill. Mary graduated from Dana Hall School in Wellesley, Mass. and then went on to Wells College in Aurora, N.Y. There she met the love of her life, George L. Freeman III, known as "Skip", after being set up on a blind date. While in college she decided to go by "Lee" because there were too many girls named Mary. From that time forward the only ones who called her Mary were her family and friends in Erie. Skip and Lee were married on June 25, 1949 and had four children together. In addition to being a busy wife and mother she was active in the Village Players, Junior League of Toledo, and Epworth United Methodist Church. She was a Girl Scout Leader for many years and was very active in the Western Lake Erie Swim League, running and officiating swimming meets for Inverness Club. She also organized the Junior Golf program at Inverness Club, often traveling with the team to various competitions. During their youngest son's senior year in high school they hosted a student from Spain, Emilio Duran, who became part of the family. They also hosted many university students from South America who were attending UT to learn English before continuing their studies in the U.S. Through Epworth Church Lee served as a delegate to council, was on the Board of Friendly Center, traveled to Haiti on a mission trip, and volunteered for many Church projects including Habitat for Humanity. She was also a very active grandmother and a huge fan, attending many of her grandchildren's sporting events, productions, and graduations. Lee was preceded in death by her parents and her brother William L. Underhill MD. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, George L. "Skip" Freeman III, her children, George L. "Rob" Freeman IV (Cindy), Julie A. Weidner, William S. Freeman (Joan), and David R. Freeman MD (Deborah), and nine grandchildren. There will be a private burial, but the Freeman family will welcome all friends to a memorial service at Epworth United Methodist Church, 3077 Valleyview Drive in Ottawa Hills at noon on Friday, June 19, 2009. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Epworth United Methodist Church or Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Arrangements by Ansberg West Funeral Home.

Mary Elise Freeman

October 17, 1928 - June 12, 2009