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Freyenberger, Lucy (1878-1979)
Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1968 Mar 28 p. 11 (bio)
Birth date: 1878
text of obituary:
Never Married, But She Has Large 'Family' at Age 90
LIKE a benediction came her affirmation of deep trust, upon being asked to what she attributed the fact of her longevity. A smile lit up her entire face as she quietly breathed, "That's the Lord's secret.
Since this is true, Miss Lucy Freyenberger of 308 ½ Ditto Street, Archbold, who just turned 90 years "young," can face the future with supreme faith. As I sat chatting with her, I felt and saw the beauty of her inner depth of soul, and her graciousness.
She never married, yet she has a large family of nephews and nieces, and a great many friends of all ages. Some "special" children of hers dearly love her — those favored few who were privileged to know her loving care as she worked in a number of homes — in one home as long as 30 years!
IN ANOTHER HOME, where a young widow was left with three small children, she helped out many times, helping make homemade noodles and angelfood cakes to sell. there she cheered everyone with her optimistic outlook on life. The son in their home, at the time perhaps eight or nine years of age, declared that when he grew up he was going to marry Lucy. (She must have been nearly 60 at the time!)
When a brother-in-law died during the flu epidemic of 1918, she moved in with her sister, helping in the home while the family tries to keep up the family farm.
SHE IS the last surviving member of a family that included seven daughters and a son who died at birth. Her father was a minister, and an eloquent speaker. He migrated to America from Alsace in June 1858. Lucy's father often felt that when the horses had worked hard all week, they should be allowed a day of rest, so the family walked to church, a distance of four and a half miles! When Lucy and her younger sister were to be baptized, they regularly walked this distance for instruction meeting.
They also walked two miles to country school, and during the cold winter months this was quite an adventure. Lucy's formal education ended at age 14.
SHE RARELY misses the meeting of the sewing circle at Central Mennonite Church. She enjoys quilting, and has been an inspiration to the younger women. Like Dorcas of old, she spends many hours with needle and thread, sewing for others, making lace, and putting edging on pillowcases, scarves, and handkerchieves.
About eight years ago she fell and fractured a pelvic bone. After being hospitalized, she was cared for in the home of a niece. Later, when she was again able to walk with the help of a cane, she gave a ringing testimony in our women's group, and expressed her heartfelt thanks that God had healed her so graciously.
Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1979 Apr 12 p. 10