CAMDEN — Freida Mae Legard Gaudette was born May 17, 1932, to Forrest C. Legard and Lillian Cutler Legard of Bath. Unfortunately, her mother passed away just 8 weeks later due to complication from the birth. Forrest remarried in 1933 to Marion Brawn Legard. Marion raised Frieda with the love of mother. Freida graduated from Morse High School in 1949, married, started a family, and her career in the secretarial-bookkeeper field.

Freida always enjoyed being part of an active social group. As a child and student, she participated in dance, the school band, and the Rainbow Girls Club. As a young adult in Bath, she participated in community musicals and dance recitals. Once she moved to the Camden area, she joined the Rockland Emblem Club #200 and a was a State Past President of the Maine State Association of Emblem Clubs. She continued with her love of dance and was performing in recitals until her late 60s. Freida enjoyed her work as much as her social group. She always thought of her co-workers like family.

She enjoyed her years at the Bath Iron Works, Bath Children’s Home, and after her move to the Camden area she worked at Fisher Engineering, Tibbetts Industries, and Knox Semiconductor. After retirement she gravitated to more social jobs at the Christmas Tree Shop and Village Shops in Camden and Jimbo’s Diner in Bath.

Freida, living well into her 90s, was predeceased by all of her siblings and most of her friends. She was lucky to have had her life-long friend, Joan (Osborne) Ingersoll, with her for 9 decades. One of their last outings was a memory-filled weekend together celebrating their 70th class reunion from Morse High School.

Freida is survived by her five children: Lillian Gaudette, Robert (Esther) Gaudette, Paula (Dave) Moody, Carrie (Robert) Walden, and Barbara (Bill Woodard) Urquhart; eight grandchildren: Sarah Gaudette, Sam and Sean (Angel Grass) Gaudette, Kate (David) Marchessault, Brian (Brittany) Moody, Melissa (Jason) McPhee) Walden, Meghan (Zach Severy) and Nicole Woodard; eight great grandchildren: Milo Gaudette, Colin Gaudette, Brady and Alayna Marchessault, Mason and Braxton Moody, and Gavin and Garett Soiett.

Freida struggled with dementia during her last few years. Her family did their best to assist her through this journey surrounding her with what brought her peace and comfort. When she visited with Bobby, she would enjoy the peacefulness of watching the wildlife while snuggling his dog, Daisy. When she visited with Paula they would sing along to her favorite old-time songs, and on occasion even dance a jig, she never lost her rhythm, and after enjoying Dave’s home-cooked meal she would snuggle with their dog, Buddy. Carrie took her to appointments and kept her financial affairs in order, but Mom most loved their trips to the beauty salon and the beach. She also enjoyed sitting out on the deck and watching Carrie’s dogs, Maxwell and Shiloh play. While she was in assisted living our family members Kate, David, Brady, Alayna, and Mason, kept an eye on her when we couldn’t be there. Freida always enjoyed seeing them and that connection made it all feel more like a home for her.

Freida’s family will have a private service/burial at a later date.

In memory of Freida the family asks that you spend some time with an aging person in your family.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hall Funeral Home of Thomaston. To extend a condolence or share a story with the Gaudette family, please visit Freida’s Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com