Freda Victoria Englund

Freda was born in Astoria to Peter and Marie Vatn Johnson, the sixth of their eight children. Her parents emigrated from Norway in the late 1800's settling in Astoria. Shortly after Freda was born, the family moved to the Youngs River area and established Johnson Dairy. She lived there through her younger years at Battle Creek School and Astoria High School, until she met and married her life-time love, Axel Englund. It was during those farming years that Freda developed a work ethic that remained with her throughout her 98 years.

Together Freda and Axel raised their two children, Jon and Suzanne. In 1944 while their children were young, they threw caution to the wind, followed their dream, and opened Englund Marine Supply at the foot of 15th Street in Astoria. Freda was wholeheartedly supportive of the business, while raising their children and dabbling in her many interests around Astoria.

Freda worked various jobs, one of her favorites being Administrator and a group leader with the Girl Scouts. Her troop stayed in touch with Freda and even recently staged a reunion at her residence.

Freda was a life member of her beloved Bethany Lutheran Church from Baptism to death; was a member of Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, the Maritime Museum, and many more. In 1933, she was one of 19 Charter Members of the Anchor Club, loved the efforts they put into promoting Astoria and the Regatta and was tickled to wear her Anchor Club hat, ride in the parades and wave her Freda wave. She was proud to be the last living Charter member.

Always generous, she enjoyed contributing to many local causes, and if those causes benefited young people, even better.

Freda found delight in being part of hunting camp expeditions as well as vacation trips all around the world with Axel. On the other hand, she was just as happy taking a drive here and there through town. Music was a passion, and she taught herself the banjo, piano, accordion, and harmonica. She loved laughter and was a master at it; loved to dress up, wear a costume, go to a party, stir up trouble and laugh some more.

As her life continued to evolve over the last decade she was able to relax and let others take care of her. She was the 10th resident to inhabit the newly-built Clatsop Retirement Village and without delay, she called it home. There she greeted and welcomed the many, many people that came through the door. She enjoyed every activity offered and was quick to voice her gratitude for the good care provided by her own caregivers and the staff, all of whom she considered family. Freda never wanted to be a bother, was appreciative of all the kindnesses that came her way and apologetic for requiring help or attention.

Devoted to Astoria, Freda was ever thankful for the good life she lived in the very place she wanted to be. Without question, her family came first. Freda outlived her brothers, Ragnar, Jalmer, Hiram and Howard, and her sisters, Garda, Petra and Nora. She outlived their spouses and her own husband, Axel. She leaves behind her daughter, Suzanne, and her son Jon and wife Mary Jean, six grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, countless nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will begin at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Astoria. The celebration will continue with lunch at the Elks Club.

Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church or the Astoria Aquatic Center, in care of the City of Astoria. Caldwell's Luce-Layton Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.