NORWICH – Freda H. McCoy, 84, lifelong Norwich resident, passed away Thurs. morning, Nov. 11, 2010, at her home.
Born to Floyd and Florence (Bartlett) Hart in April of 1926, Freda was a 1945 graduate of the Norwich High School. She continued her education by attending SUNY Morrisville, where she earned a degree in dietary and nutrition studies, graduating with the Class of 1947. On June 3, 1956, in the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Norwich, Freda married John B. McCoy. John was the distributor for Arnold Bakery products in this area, and Freda took on the job of bookkeeper, as well as making some of the local deliveries of baked products to area businesses. For a time, she also worked as a housekeeper for the Norwich Motor Lodge. Away from her work with the business, Freda’s true self became apparent in her dedication to volunteering. No job was too small, she was always willing to do whatever was needed. Her organizations included the Home Bureau, of which she was a past president; the Red Cross, and the auxiliary of Chenango Memorial Hospital. A devoted member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church for most of her life, Freda served on the vestry and had spent numerous years as part of the Emmanuel Church Women. She was instrumental in organizing most of their rummage and bake sales, bazaars and dinners, and served for a time as president of the group. She was famous for both her fruitcakes and her donuts. While grandson Daniel was growing up, Freda and John did their best to attend all of his sporting events. Following John’s passing, Freda continued to enjoy Daniel’s activities, and “kicked her volunteer activities into high gear.” A physically active lady all her life, Freda bowled well into her 80s.
Freda is survived by her children: Deborah Cassavaugh and husband Gary Muserallo of Norwich and John C. McCoy and wife Carol of Sherburne; her grandson, Daniel Cassavaugh of Watertown; her brother, Raymond Hart and wife Laura of Florida, and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, John, on April 13, 1988, and by her brother, Kenneth Hart.
Funeral services for Freda will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 15, from the Emmanuel Episcopal Church. The Rev. Charles Taylor, Episcopal Clergy, will officiate. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the R. J. Fahy Funeral Home on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Please consider memorial contributions to the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 37 West Main St., P. O. Box 203, Norwich, NY 13815.