Elma L. Freeman

Boonville- Elma L. (Gillette) Freeman, 87, formerly of River Road, Port Leyden and Spencer Road, near Constableville, went to be with the LORD, on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Boonville, while surrounded by the loving care of her family. Elma was born at her Grandparents home, Port Leyden, NY, on December 10, 1931, a daughter of Hugh A. and Susie Webster Gillette. She worked as a waitress at Bintzs Restaurant, Constableville, from 1945-1949. Elma graduated from Constableville High School, with the Class of 1949; thereafter she attended Utica School of Commerce, before employment in the claims department at Commercial Travelers Insurance Co. Utica, N.Y. She was united in marriage with Robert S. Freeman, on June 21, 1952, at the Turin United Methodist Church. Afterwards she continued her employment at Commercial Travelers, while Bob was overseas, serving in the U.S. Air Force. Later Bob was stationed on Long Island, where they lived until Mr. Freeman was honorably discharged as Staff Sergeant. While on Long Island, Mrs. Freeman was employed at Electro Mechanical Corporation, soldering electronic equipment for the U.S. Navy. In November, 1954, the couple returned to Constableville, making their home on James Street. Elma assisted her husband, Bob in the operation of Freemans General Store, Main St. Constableville. Later Elma was employed as a clerk at the Post Office in Constableville, retiring on April 18, 1988. For many years Elma assisted Bob with the Animal Lure Trapping Business of Constableville and they enjoyed traveling to many trapping conventions throughout the U.S. Elma attended the New Covenant Church, Port Leyden. Elma loved The LORD, her husband, Bob and her family. She also enjoyed her many friends, writing and receiving letters, knitting, reading and camping. Elma is survived by a daughter, Sue (William) OBrien; granddaughters, Kate OBrien, Mary (Brad) Burrows, and great grandchildren Hunter, Wyatt and Finley Burrows all of Port Leyden; a daughter, Sally (Gerald) Godfrey, Fulton, NY, two grandsons, Scott (Lauren) Wilbert and great grandchildren, Parker, Deacon and Lila, all of Lexington, SC and David and Jackie Wilbert and a great granddaughter, Kylie all of Pennellville. Also surviving are step grandson, John (Maureen) Godfrey and step great grandchildren, Hannah and Keegan Godfrey, all of Phoenix, AZ. Mrs. Freeman also considered the children of Tim and Pam OBrien to be her adopted grandchildren; Monica, Emily, Erica, Conrad and Ethan OBrien. Elma was predeceased by her husband, Robert, on April 2, 2012 and by a brother, Erwin Gillette. A graveside service will be held in Rural Cemetery, Constableville, in the spring of 2020, at a date and time to be announced. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Resident Activities Fund, 232 Academy St. Boonville, NY 13309. Her funeral arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville.