Mary Freeman

Mary A. Freeman, aged 81, passed peacefully in her sleep in Eugene on October 6th, 2025. She was born July 28th, 1944 in Eugene, Oregon to Johnnie and Julia Hooker. She was proud of living her entire life within 40 miles of her birthplace.

Mary’s roots grew deep in American soil, stretching back three and a half centuries. Her family tree included veterans from the Revolutionary War to Desert Storm. Her great-great grandfather brought the family to Oregon in the mid-1850s, settling in Polk County. The next generation moved the family to Lane County in the Crow/Wolf Creek area.

Mary attended Westfir Grade School and Coburg High School. She married Paul Freeman in 1964 and raised their two sons on the family farm near Junction City. During this time, she was very active in the local Catholic Church, helping with various fundraisers, as well as serving as Altar Society President for several years at the mission in Harrisburg. She was also a longtime member of the Linn-Benton Chapter of Oregon Women for Agriculture, holding both state and local chapter offices. In 1987, Paul and Mary went their separate ways and moved on to the next chapter of their lives.

Mary enjoyed 25 years working as a receptionist in the retirement communities in Eugene, helping both residents and visitors. Mary was also a member of Springfield Eagles Aux. since 1987.

Always active in crafting, it was rare that there was not a project she was working on, including knitting, crocheting, sewing, and quilting. In her later years, her focus was crocheting hats for friends and family, and donating hundreds of additional hats to veterans, first responders, and the homeless community.

Mary is survived by her two sons, George and Tom (Susie), four grandchildren, Cole, Chylene, Alyssa, and Molly, as well as two great grandchildren. She also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her.

A private memorial service will be held in Mary's honor. In her memory, please consider a donation to wounded veterans at woundedwarriorproject.org, or Doernbecher Children's Hospital.