Freda Alice Penny

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us everyday

Obituary

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Freda Alice Penny aged 84.  Freda was born on the 19th June 1941 and sadly passed away on 28th March 2026.

Freda lived life to the fullest with such a positive attitude. She had such a kind heart and built friendships with everyone she met.

Born in Barrow-in-furness, Freda grew up following in her mother's footsteps and pursued a career in nursing. Freda attained a love of travelling with her early career in the Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service (PMRAFNS) and met the love of her life, Alan, whilst being stationed in Cyprus. After having her children, Freda then became a district nurse in Wiltshire. She was such a caring and compassionate person who was dedicated to her patients and colleagues. Colleagues that became life long friends and were there to support her always and especially in the final few months of her life.  
Family, friends and nieghbours were the heart and soul of Freda's life. Freda was a selfless, present mother who poured everything into her family and passed on her love of travelling to them.

The grandchildren were the greatest joy of Freda's life, she always made them feel special and never missed an opportunity to share a prideful story about their achievements.

Freda is now together again with her second daughter Deborah Susan and those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Alan, cousin Doris, daughter Alex, her son Nigel and four grandchildren, Tia, Reef, Olivia and Tommy.

The passing of Freda leaves a space that cannot be filled. Yet the memories, lessons, and moments shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know her. Freda will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Please share a memory or two on the Memory Wall so everyone can see how Freda touched our lives.

Freda Loved

Freda loved wearing bright colours and florals, so please feel free to wear something 'Freda' to the funeral. We request you add a splash of colour if you are traditionally wearing black. Freda also loved photos so please upload any photos you have of her, this tribute page will continually grow so please keep the memories flowing.

Photos

Memory Wall

April 14, 2026

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My god mother auntie freda I have know for 60 years She was going to take me skiing but instead she decided to get married so I ended up being a bridesmaid instead Kathryn

Kathryn Underwood

April 14, 2026

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I have known Freda for over 80 years. We first met when we went to Laura Adams dancing class when we were under school age. Freda and I lived in the same street (Powerful Street). She lived at 71 with her Mum, Nanna and Grandad Riseley, and I lived at 11 with my parents. The dancing class was held in St Mary’s Church Hall, Walney Is. We attended Vickerstown Infant & Junior School, and then onto Barrow Grammar School.
When it was fine we rode there on our bikes.
As teenagers we had a lot to do with the church, going twice on Sundays, being Sunday school teachers, and belonging to the youth group.
It was with this group that we went to the church youth hostel at Saint John’s in the Vale, and spent a lot of time climbing the Lake District mountains. This is where Freda got her love of climbing.
After leaving school we didn’t see so much of each other but kept in touch.
Freda was better at that than I was.
At the age of 50 we started having school reunions and she enjoyed catching up with old friends. Unfortunately Covid put a stop to that.
Over the past years Freda spent time with me in Madeira at my timeshare. She enjoyed a week of winter sunshine in January.
Freda always had time for her friends but life revolved round her family, whom she loved dearly. They always came first. I shall miss her so much, she was the sister I never had. Love Hendy x

Ann Higgins

April 13, 2026

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Freda and I worked together as District nurses for many years. We began as work colleagues but soon became close friends. We both retired over 20 years ago but remained close friends, meeting up regularly and often put the world to rights. She was a kind and wonderful person and I was honoured to be her friend. I will miss her dearly.

Maureen Routledge

April 12, 2026

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We have known and loved Freda since returning from Africa at the end of the sixties. I remember Freda and Al’s wedding with Al climbing up the down pipe of the house to retrieve his car keys Most of all we remember her cheery optimistic disposition. We will miss her a great deal.
Donald, Beverley,Florence,Cameron Millie, Finlay and Matilda.

Donald Goodwin

April 12, 2026

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FREDA , je me souviens de tous ces moments passés soit en Suisse soit en Angleterre avec toi, Al, Alex et Nigel. Tu étais la meilleure amie de ma maman avec Judith. Je me souviens de tellement de bon moments aussi bien à Devizies qu’au Noirmont en Suisse. Mon papa m’a longtemps rappelé un match de cricket passé avec Al ou un match de coupe du monde où mon papa et Al étaient à fond et où les enfants ( Alex Nigel Nathalie et moi) et les mamans pas du tout.
Je garde de merveilleux souvenirs de mes séjours à Devizes et des moments passés avec Freda Al Alex et Nigel ♥️

Anthony Boillat

April 12, 2026

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We will always remember our lunches with Freda and Al they were happy memories always with lots of chat and laughter especially when Freda had been on her travels to see her family. She was a lovely lady who will be sorely missed.

Lyn & Howard

April 12, 2026

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Our dearest Freda loved and missed so much.Rest in peace and fond farewell .Doris,Alan,Mandy Maisie,Edwin, Christopher,Helen Tom and Emily .

Doris

April 10, 2026

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So many happy memories of spending time with the Penny family when we lived next door at Broadleas Park during the 80s and 90s. Freda was such a kind, gentle lady, and it was a real pleasure to bump into her in town over the years. She was always smiling, genuinely interested to hear about our family, and loved sharing news of her own.
Thinking of Al, Alex and Nigel at this sad time.
Attaching photos of my parents with Freda and Al in our garden at Broadleas Park, all looking very smart before heading off to a Summer Ball.

Sarah Hunter

April 9, 2026

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When Alex, then Nigel married I didn't have so much contact with them. Alex moved to Texas, Nigel to Basingstoke and myself to France. I spoke with Freda and Alan most weeks but it was always Freda who proudly recounted the stories and updates of Alex, Nigel and their families. She was the centrepiece of the family and the glue that held it all together. She doted on her family.

Jackie Penny

April 8, 2026

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Freda was a dear friend since meeting in the PMRAFNS in 1968,& although I lived overseas we kept in touch & met whenever we could ,& always enjoyed our time together catching up with news of our families.Many of the photos posted brought back happy memories,a lovely tribute to Freda.
Jennie Dickinson.

Jennie Dickinson

April 8, 2026

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Proud to have been a ‘co-grandparent’ for Tia and Reef with Freda, Alan and Sylvia. Freda was such a warm personality who always radiated kindness and a calming disposition. We would meet at family gatherings and occasionally our visits to Alex and Marks home in Dallas would coincide. Her love of family was always abundant, and she will be deeply missed my many, she was a lovely caring lady. Thanks for your friendship and the memories which we will continue to cherish.

Peter J Warsop

April 8, 2026

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Freda has been in my life for over 50 years. Firstly as a neighbour on Broadleas Park when I was young and great friends with her daughter Alex. Secondly as a wonderful friend to my Mum - whom she met during their time in the PMRAFNS. A time they both enjoyed immensely and cemented a lifelong friendship. They holidayed together in Medeira with Al and we spent many happy evenings enjoying meals at the Millstream in Marden, or enjoying drinks in Mum's back garden. Freda was an incredible help to me as Mum's health deteriorated and I will never forget that. She will be very sorely missed. With love. Mxx

Moira Alderson

April 8, 2026

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Freda was a genuinely lovely person and so very kind. I know when Luke and Nigel were very much younger, hanging out with their mates down the woods, it was always Freda who welcomed the crowd into her house!

Barbara Fletcher

April 7, 2026

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I did not see so much of Freda and Alan over the last few years as I am currently living in France but I visited briefly to see Alan in hospital Jan 2024 and when I arrived at their house Freda came outside with a huge smile on her face and greeted me with open arms and a huge hug. This was typical of Freda, always demonstrative, always welcoming and always wanting to stay in regular contact. We have all been so lucky to have her in our lives.

Jackie Penny

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