Betty May Robbins Freda of Damascus, PA, passed away at the age of 100 on Sept 17, 2022. She was the widow of Colonel (Retired USAF) Matthew J. “Joe” Freda.

She is survived by her five children: Joe Freda and wife Elise of Callicoon, NY; Mary Bell and husband Dan of Sanibel Island, FL; Lynne Freda of Damascus; Susan Woodcock and husband Ron of Westboro, MA; and Tom Freda and wife Kate of Damascus. She is survived by 10 grandchildren: Allison Quillen and husband Ralph, John Bell, and Daniel Bell and wife Bridget; Jesse Freda, Lauren Lepro and husband Alex, and Tim Freda; Whitney, Kim and Bethany Woodcock; and Casey Freda Capobianco; and eight great-grandchildren: Isaac, Xavier, Cora and Delaney Bell; Addison and Isabelle Quillen; and Aaron and Adam Lepro. Betty was preceded in death by her six sisters and a brother.

Betty was born on the Robbins family farm in Unionville, MO, on May 5, 1922, the daughter of Jesse Robbins and Katie Cameron Robbins. She loved the farm life, and worked alongside her father until World War II broke out.

She began her working career in Kansas City as a secretary. She soon moved to Washington, D.C., and worked at the War Department. She was among the first group to move into the newly built Pentagon building in 1943. 

Betty met her husband-to-be in Washington, D.C., and they were wed May 7, 1949. They were married 54 years, until Joe’s death in 2003. She also served; as the wife of an Air Force officer, she presided over countless social and officers’ wives’ functions. 

Betty and Joe moved their family several times—to Texas, Japan, Alabama, Delaware, Illinois, Okinawa and finally Damascus, PA.

Betty will be lovingly remembered as a wonderful and giving mother and grandmother and great-grandmother; a kind, caring and generous friend; a woman who loved life and lived it to its fullest; who loved to play cards—especially canasta—and had a true artistic talent for knitting and crocheting countless afghans and other handmade items. Her home cooking and baking were legendary. Later in life, she adjusted her cooking to cutting-edge “health foods” for longevity.

Betty had a great sense of humor and was a very hard worker; she loved and was devoted to her family. She learned from her father and passed on to her children and grandchildren sage advice: You will not lie, cheat or steal. 

She will sorely be missed. 

Special thanks to her loving caregiver, Melissa Rakowicz, and all the caring employees at Ellen Memorial.

Per Betty’s request, there will be no visitation or services. Betty would like you to remember her life, rather than her death. Cremains will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery, where her husband is also buried. Arrangements by Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home. To leave a condolence, visit stewartmurphyfh.com.