Nancy Freeman

Nancy was born in Malone, NY in the middle of a snowstorm to Laurence and Fayma Chapin. She grew up in North Bangor, NY.  She was an active child with a strong love for animals. Nancy has had many pets over the years.  She had a passion for horses and was an experienced rider.  “Back in the Day”, as she would say, she Marshalled the Franklin County Fair Horse Races on Gene Timmon’s horse “Babe” for many years.

Later, she attended Franklin Academy in Malone. She attended and graduated from Southern Seminary in Buena Vista, Virgina in 1957. Following that she attended Laselle Junior College in Auburndale, Massachusetts, graduating with a degree in Early Childhood Education in 1959.

Nancy was a Pre-School teacher for 40 years.  She began her career in San Diego, California but spent most of her time in her beloved city of Philadelphia teaching at Hope Day Nursery School. In the earlier days, she would take her class out of the school and explore the city.  They had trolley rides, went swimming at the shore, and were able to experience all kinds of adventures with Nancy.

Nancy lived in Philadelphia for the majority of her life.  She was very involved in her neighborhood in West Philadelphia. Nancy was a member of Cedar Park Neighbors.  She worked on the annual fair and the holiday food baskets.  She also volunteered in the playroom of the Children’s Hospital.  Nancy was a member of the Warrington Community Garden for 15 years.  She often distributed her excess basil and tomatoes to neighbors and Roger’s restaurant.

Nancy was welcoming and generous. She was always willing to help others.  She accepted people flaws and all.  She would often go out of her way to help others, and she never expected nor wanted recognition for it.

Nancy married Tyrone Freeman, the love of her life, in 1984. Together they moved to the neighborhood where she remained for the rest of her life.  Ty passed away too soon, in 1989.

Nancy leaves behind her stepchildren Lynne Freeman Kirnon and Marc Freeman (Desrene), and four step-grandchildren. Nephew, Bill Chapin (Amy), Nieces, Lauren Edsall (Jake) and Polly Grebe (Dave) and many great nieces and nephews who loved her dearly, and many cousins.  She was predeceased by her husband, Tyrone Freeman; her parents, Laurence and Fayma Chapin; her brother and sister-in-law, Breckinridge and Barbara Chapin; her niece and nephew-in-law, Sally and Guy Schweizer; and a great-niece, Catherine Grace Chapin.

In lieu of flowers, Nancy’s wishes were for donations to be made to the SPCA or any organization of your choice. (Nancy was never a big fan of Cut Flowers—preferring to enjoy them in the gardens.  All who knew Nancy knew of her love for animals but especially cats!  She was a “cat whisperer.”)

A Gathering of family and friends to celebrate Nancy will be held on Saturday, November 23rd at 2:00 -4:00 PM at Baldi Funeral Home, 1331 Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147 (Ample Parking on Premises). In keeping with Nancy’s wishes, there will be no formal service, more of a social time to share memories, stories, love, and laughter.  Burial will be at a later date in the family cemetery in North Bangor, NY.

Please View Nancy's Video Tribute Below

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