Leslie A. (Cooke) Freeman, 78, died Sunday at her home in Methuen. She was born in Lawrence, MA, the daughter of Anson & Ruth(Livingston ) Cooke. She was a 1946 graduate of Edward F. Searles High School and a lifelong resident of Methuen.
Leslie and her family spent their summers at their home in Hampton, NH where they experienced many joyous times and Leslie created wonderful memories for her family. She loved attending Sunday services at her "summer church," St. Andrew's By The Sea in Rye, NH.
Her faith and strong will were instrumental in raising her family and gave her the determination to live life to its' fullest until the day of her passing. She was an inspiration to many people throughout her life. Her legacy of "You can do this-I have faith in you" touched many lives.
Leslie and her husband founded Freeman Fuel Co. Inc. in Methuen, in 1953. She was the treasurer/chief financial officer and a driving force that made Freeman Fuel Co. the successful family business it is today.
She was always a willing volunteer for her children's activities. She was a former member and treasurer of Lawrence Quota Club and she also served on the board of directors of the Lawrence YWCA.
She is survived by her husband John who loved and cherished her dearly. They were married and devoted to one another for 60 years. They enjoyed their beach house and traveling the world.
She is also survived by her children, grandchildren and brothers and sisters who will miss her dearly.
Son: John J. “Jay” Freeman & his wife Amy of Salem, NH
2 Daughters: Susan & her husband William Foster of Danville, NH
Pamela & her husband James Munro of Methuen, MA
4 Brothers: Anson Cooke of No. Carolina
Robert Cooke of Nottingham, NH
Frederick Cooke of Wilmington, MA
John Cooke of New Ipswich, NH
3 Sisters: Nancy Deacon of Florida
Cynthia Farnham of Fall River, MA
Susan McNaulty of Oregon
6 grandchildren: Alison & Andrew Munro, Ashley Foster, Jonathon, Peter & Brandon Freeman And many Nieces and Nephews
At the request of the family, there are no calling hours. A private memorial service will be held at the Daniel G. Tenney Memorial Chapel at Walnut Grove Cemetery. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery following the service.
The family wishes to acknowledge the kindness, care and loving attention extended to Leslie and the family from Dr. Yamil Kouri and all the staff at the Holy Family Oncology Center as well as Dr. Tracy Harris her family physician. She loved you all.
Memorial Contributions may be made to: Holy Family Oncology Center, 70 East St., Methuen, MA 01844 or St. Andrews By the Sea Church, PO Box 555, Rye Beach, NH 03871.