Grace D. Freedman

Grace D. Freedman, 94, of Norwich, died peacefully in the comfort of her home on Thursday, January 16, 2025.

Born on September 13, 1930, in Frederick, MD, Grace was a daughter of the late Harvey Kemp and Grace Tisdale. She had one brother, also named Harvey. She grew up in the Frederick region and graduated from Frederick High School in 1947. Grace then attended Strayer Business School where she earned her professional degree. 

On August 23, 1958, in Frederick, MD, Grace married her beloved husband of 59 years, Raymond “Ray” Freedman, who predeceased her on September 27, 2017. 

After Ray completed his graduate studies at Penn State University, he took a position with the former Norwich Pharmacal Company and relocated to Norwich. In Norwich, Grace worked for several law firms as a legal secretary, including the law firm of John Marshall. In retirement, she volunteered for the Chenango Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and Hospital Gift Shop, as well as at the Pink Door, where she was a leader in volunteer hours for many years.

Grace enjoyed playing piano, gardening, reading, sewing and creating beautiful needlepoints quilts (like her mother) and was an avid animal lover, owning several Boston Terrier dogs over the years, including her most cherished dog, Sweetie Pie. When with family and friends, she enjoyed walking and playing Monopoly and Scrabble. A true conversationalist  at heart, Grace enjoyed her family and friends talking about her family, friends and travel. She was a former attendee of the First Baptist Church. 

Grace is survived by her beloved children, Brad Amador (and his wife, Norma Amador), of Deerfield Beach, FL, Linda Amador, of Utica, NY, (children by her first husband, Julio Amador) and Daniel Freedman, of Norwich; a sister-in-law, Vera Kemp; several nieces and nephews, and dear neighbors and friends, John (Ceara) Antonowicz. Grace was predeceased by her brother, Harvey Kemp, in 2015. 

Grace’s family would like to expressly extend gratitude to Jackie Barrows, John Antonowicz, and all the caregivers that were able to keep Grace in her own home, which was her final wish.

Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home, in Norwich, on Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. with a funeral service to immediately follow, officiated by Rev. Laura Wade. Burial will occur at Mt. Hope Cemetery in the spring of 2025.

Contributions in Grace’s memory may be made to the Chenango SPCA, 6160 County Road 32. Norwich, NY 13815 or to Aunt Mary’s House, PO Box 955, Norwich NY, 13815.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilson Funeral Home.