Fowlerville News and Views Online

Freda May Peckens

    Freda May Peckens, formerly of Fowlerville, Michigan, passed away on May 9, 2020 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Gordon Miner at Raleigh, NC. She was born in Green Oak Township, MI, on April 14, 1916 to Annie and Wesley Worden and had recently celebrated her 104th birthday. 
     Freda graduated from Fowlerville High School in 1934 and married Earl C. Peckens in 1936 (deceased in 1994). They had three children: Ralph E. (deceased 2004), Laura L. Coats (Aurora, CO), and Linda K. (Raleigh, NC). She had five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson. 
    Freda’s husband, Earl, operated the Fowlerville airports (Newton Field and later Maple Grove). He taught all of his children to fly, and they all soloed at the age of 16. He also taught Freda to fly, and she soloed at the age of 50. The idea was that she could land the plane if he had a medical condition on one of their numerous flights. 
    Freda has ridden in many types of flying machines, including open cockpit, breezies, helicopters, balloon, and commercial jets. She experienced all forms of transportation and had ridden on such things as horse and buggy, motorcycle-sidecar, boats, and even an elephant. Freda and Earl were fortunate to be able to travel across much of the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. They also visited England, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, India, and Costa Rica. 
    As age crept up on Freda, she moved to Raleigh in 2006. Freda is a lifetime member of Eastern Star. She was an avid card and Rummykub player and delighted in beating her son-in-law. She played golf until the age of 83 at the Oak Lane Golf Course in Webberville, MI. 
     The family would like to thank James Ferry and Harry Montgomery (White Memorial Presbyterian Church) for serving Communion at the home the past two years. They also appreciate the home care provided by Bayada and Transitions Life Care. Due to current circumstances, a memorial service and interment will be planned for a later date in Michigan.