Obituary of Shirley J. Freeman

There are those who continue to light up the world long after they are gone. It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley Juanita (Hippler) Freeman, age 88, of Montville, Maine. Shirley passed away peacefully after a short stay at the Glenridge Center in Augusta, Maine on August 7, 2024 surrounded by loved ones and her beloved husband, Leonard, by her side.

She was born in Zwolle, Louisiana on March 22, 1936 to Napoleon B. Hippler and Lena Othella Powell. Shirley was one of nine children. She learned to read at the age of four before attending elementary school. As a teen, Shirley attended and graduated from Fairbank High School in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Shirley was a southern girl at heart. She met the love of her life, Leonard, a Yankee who was enlisted in the Air Force, while she was working as a switchboard operator at a phone company in Shreveport, Louisiana. Excited to start their new life together, the two eloped to Jackson, Mississippi and were married on June 2, 1955. In 1956, their first child, Susan, was born and the family moved to Maine where their second child, Randy, was born. Leonard was stationed in Spain just before Randy’s birth. Shirley traveled to Spain, single handedly, with a one year old child and a one month old infant. Three more sons were born to the Freemans. Edward was born in Spain, and Mark and Matthew were born in Maine.

They returned to Maine, then New York, and back to Spain, and on to Michigan as Leonard continued to serve in the military. They made great friends wherever they lived. In 1974 they returned to Montville and built their dream home and a life on Leonard’s family property.

Shirley's favorite role was that of a grandparent. She treasured her time with her grandkids and loved being their Mimi. She never failed to spoil them with her attention and love. Her first grandchild was born in 1978. At the age of 68 her first great grandchildren were born, twins Devyn and Dakota who she and Leonard subsequently adopted and raised to proudly see them graduate from high school in 2023. Her devotion to family was seen in her every action as she joyfully hosted family gatherings at every holiday for decades. 

Shirley enjoyed traveling. She and Leonard traveled down south annually to Hippler family reunions, frequently with grandchildren in tow. For her 80th birthday she traveled to Costa Rica to visit family. 

An avid reader and lover of books, Shirley was passionate about her role as a Librarian at Mount View High School and Walker School where she worked for many years. She will be long remembered as a dedicated child care professional to an innumerable number of local children that knew her as Mimi. Shirley had a soft spot for their beloved dog, Bella, treating her like the family member that she was. She was an active member of Liberty Baptist Church for fifty plus years, devoting her time and energy to prayer groups and Vacation Bible School. She was known for her faith, kindness, and sense of humor and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. 

Shirley Freeman is survived by her husband of 69 years, Leonard Freeman. Children Susan Lynnette Martin and husband Glenn of Montville, daughter-in-law Natalie Freeman of Knox, sons Mark Tomas Freeman and wife Ellen, and Matthew David Freeman both of Montville. Sisters Virginia Rose Ofila and Tommie Joy Mcdaniel.

Grandchildren GW Martin, Casey Martin, Joshua Freeman, Hale Polebaum Freeman, CJ Freeman, Chantrelle Stevens, Sarah Martin, Danielle Patten, Ian Freeman, Jodie Mehuren, Marissa Maynard, Rebekah Fuller, Jonathan Freeman, and Kayleb Freeman.

Great Grandchildren Ora, Beatrice,Whitfield, Aiden, TrudySue, Dakota, Devyn, Yvonne, Ellasen, Hannah, Noah, Ella, Krista, Jeremy, Conor, Katelyn, Tucker, Asa, Lena, Elida, Sadee, Emma, Silas, Dylan, Sam, JR, and Emory. And many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sons Leonard Randall Freeman and Edward Clark Freeman, and siblings James Preslan, Hazel Yvonne, Leon DeWayne, Melva Lynn, Wanda Ruth, and Micheal.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Sheree Mathieson, Shirley’s church family, and the hospital staff at Glenridge who provided love, comfort, and support during her final days.

A Celebration of Life and a reception will be held at the Liberty Baptist Church in Liberty, Maine on September 7, 2024, at 1 pm. Those who wish may make memorial donations in Shirley’s memory to the Liberty Baptist Church, P.O. Box 115, Liberty, ME 04949.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com