IMPORTANT: This Memorial is in draft mode. To complete, change the memorial status from "draft" to "publish".

Freda Marie Phillips

Place of birth: Colorado Springs CO

Resident of San Leandro CA

Freda Marie Phillips passed peacefully on Thursday morning, June 29, 2017. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl Wilson and Carla Peevey, and by her loving husband of 50 years, Wendell Phillips. Freda was a loving and devoted mother to her daughter, Dawna Poole of San Leandro, and her son, Wayne Phillips of San Lorenzo, and loving grandma and great-grandma to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Freda grew up during the Depression, moving among several cities as her iron worker step-father, Bill Peevey, sought work. Her mother, Carla, would work as a waitress whenever a job was found. When Freda was twelve, the family settled in Oakland while her step-father worked on the construction of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges. It was this upbringing that molded her strong work ethic. As a teenager, Freda worked several jobs to help support the family, switching from one job to another to get a slight raise, even if it was harder work.

Freda met Wendell shortly before the start of WWII. During Wendell’s service in the Naval Reserve, she traveled across the country to be with Wendell when he was stationed on shore duty. They were married in Florida on November 24, 1942. While in Florida, Freda worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” on an airplane assembly line, building the Corsair fighter. After Wendell was deployed on ships, Freda returned to Oakland, and drove a bus for the Navy, transporting sailors to Oakland, San Francisco, and Treasure Island.

After the War, Freda and Wendell started their family in San Leandro, where they would reside for the rest of their lives. Freda devoted herself to her family, including extended family and her “adopted” close friends. Anyone visiting her home knew that a meal would soon be ready. Her greatest joy was nurturing her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her favorite vacations were her several trips to Hawaii.

In accordance with Freda’s wishes, there will be a viewing at Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward, on Friday, June 7, from 8:30-11:00 A.M., followed by a graveside dedication for family.