FREEMAN, Valerie
87, on Friday, October 12, 2018, Valerie (Val) Therese Freeman, age 87 of Tucson, boarded the 9:10 a.m. Angel Flight to Heaven's Gate. Adorned in Prayers and Love, she soared to Heaven's Gate, on the wings of a Dove! The Gate opened wide on St. Peter's word, and the Angels sang the sweetest songs you've never heard! The transition from the ephemeral to the eternal is now complete!!! Val passed away peacefully with Barry, her devoted husband of 64 years by her side. Val was born on October 30, 1930 in Thunder Bay (Fort William), Ontario, Canada. Her parents, Peter and Bae McCallum, along with her brother, Peter, preceded her in death. Val herself was a breast cancer survivor. Most important to Val were her roles as wife, mother, sister and friend. She married the love of her life, Barry Freeman, in April of 1954. Together they raised four children. The household was filled with love and laughter. Strong-willed and spontaneous, Val was always on the go and doing something. She was known for her care and concern for others and she would spend as much time as necessary helping family and friends in need. She volunteered for a number of years at the craft store "The West" which is a volunteer-run store specializing in gifts, and needlework supplies with profits returned to the community in the form of grants to local-area charitable organizations with an emphasis on those serving women and children. She was also remembered for her meticulous craftwork. Val was a prolific artist, doing petit point, needle point, quilting and stained glass. Over the years, she gifted a countless number of her works of art and love to her lucky family members and friends. Her radiant personality and smile shone brightly wherever she went and she always had that special twinkle in her eye. In 1981, one of the most memorable experiences of her life occurred when she and Barry embarked on the adventure of a lifetime and moved to Lesotho, Southern Africa where they remained for nine years. Lifelong memories and friends were made during that time. Val is survived by her husband, Barry; her sister, Bernice; sons, Scott (Kelly) Freeman of Carrollton, TX, Mike Freeman of Tucson, AZ; Paul (Beth) Freeman of Cottonwood, AZ; and daughter, Kelly (Keith) Corson of Vail, AZ; along with four grandchildren, Kelly, Andrew, Kayla and Daniel. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for Val at Sabino Canyon Rehabilitation Center, and Casa de La Luz Hospice. The family also wishes to express thanks from the bottom of their hearts to mom's most faithful private caregiver Greta Springhower (Home Instead), for all of the love and care provided when the family could not be at Val's side. Visitation and Rosary will be held on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway Blvd. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 2, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Church, 1375 S Camino Seco, with a reception in the parish hall following the Mass. For those wishing to send flowers, they may be sent to BRING'S for delivery on November 1. For those wishing to make donations in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Val's name to either Gospel Rescue Mission, Susan G. Komen Foundation, or the Special Olympics which were all organizations near and dear to Val's heart.