FREDA OLSZESKI

A 1949 Martins Ferry High School graduate, Freda met the love of her life, John J. Olszeski, and they married on September 12, 1953. They raised three daughters together, and the family owned and operated Hartville Foods, Olszeski Properties, Hartville Farms, Hartville Advertising, and Freda’s pride and joy, “Freda’s Hallmark Shops,” a chain of ten greeting card and gift stores. Through their business associations, she and her husband had the opportunity to travel the world and visit numerous countries, including Poland, Italy, Australia, Switzerland, Austria, China, Japan, and New Zealand. Freda also enjoyed spending time on Siesta Key in Florida.

Freda, also known as “Beeda” (a name given to her by her grandchildren), was an avid sports enthusiast. She was a 30-year season ticket holder for her beloved Cleveland Browns and a high school football fan. She and John faithfully supported The Lake Blue Streaks, their hometown team, and loved The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Cleveland Guardians (formerly known as the Indians). She enjoyed tailgating with her family and friends at the Browns home games and always provided plenty of “Beeda’s Hotdogs” as a consistent item on her tailgate menu!

Freda enjoyed sewing and baking, and her homemade pies were legendary. She was known for sharing them, along with her famous “yellow cake” and trays of cookies, with many who enjoyed them.

As a hard worker, Freda enjoyed the outdoors and was proud to mow her grass until two years ago. She appreciated the beauty of flowers and was constantly searching for creative ways to battle the pesky squirrels who often ate her bird seed!

Freda, a loving and caring woman of strong convictions, is predeceased by her husband John and their parents, her siblings, two cherished nieces, Debbie Longenette and Francine Vota, and a nephew, John E. Duda. She will be greatly missed by her family, including her daughters: Judy Holcomb, Jane Olszeski Tortola and Joan Olszeski; six grandchildren: Lyndsay, Stacy (Jason), Johnny (Victoria), Ryan, Evan (Jessica) and Catherine; Four great grandchildren including: Sophia, Jude, Tyson and Roman; also surviving are sister-in-law Doris Longenette and nieces Angela Duda, Kim (Doug) Rood, Andrea (Mike) Andrews and Danielle (Jon) Richey. She will also be remembered by her many friends and other relatives who loved her dearly.

The family extends gratitude to the medical staff of Mercy Medical Center, St. Luke’s Lutheran Center Memory Care Unit, and Father Jay Clarke for the love and compassion shown to Freda during her recent journey with Dementia. Throughout, she never lost her fighting spirit.

A celebration of life will take place Friday, March 21, 2025 at Evermoore Community Church at 6 PM. Calling hours will be from 4 – 5:45 PM at the Church.

Instead of flowers, at Freda’s request, contributions can be made to: THE LAKE ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB specifically for the benefit of Blue Streak Stadium, PO Box 1057, Hartville, Ohio 44632 or to THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF STARK COUNTY, 5100 Peach St NE, Louisville, Ohio 44641, in memory of Freda and her cherished Persian cat Frankie, who brought her many years of joy.

“Her seat at the tailgate may be empty, but her spirit will always be with us – cheering, laughing and sharing in the joy of life.”

Rest well, sweet Beeda.