MCGOWAN (Harper) Freda Jean 1918-2008 Born Freda Jean Boasten in Radville, Saskatchewan, Freda grew up in Calgary, Alberta where her enthusiasm for life gained her many friends. In 1939 she married Happy Harper, and spent the war years at many different places as her husband's military assignments required. They relocated to Red Deer, Alberta in 1951 to open a metal recycling business and to raise their four children. Freda's interests were varied. Her involvement with the Girl Guides began in childhood and continued for more than seventy years. She was active in the Kiwaniannes, her bridge club, and the Gaetz United Church; she enjoyed swimming, hiking, painting, gardening, and cross-country skiing; and most of all, she enjoyed being with her family and friends. A gracious hostess, Freda welcomed many people to her home over the years: Round Dancers, children's friends, business people, sports enthusiasts, budding musicians, and more. Always, she made friends and gained admirers. More than one called her "A Lady, in the best sense of the word". She lived as fully as a person can. In her seventies, she married Jack McGowan and the couple moved to Blind Bay, BC, where they built a tree house and enjoyed playing in the waters of Shuswap Lake. Freda was predeceased by both husbands, sister, Dorothy Hall, and granddaughter, Diana Harper. She is lovingly missed by her children: Patricia Laplante, Billie (Neil) Hughes, Randy (Mary Jane) Harper, and Susan Harper; by her grand- children: Dan (Karen) Laplante, Carmen Laplante, David (Dusty) Laplante, and Al (Bryna) Laplante; and by her great-grandchildren: Cadence, Claire, Samuel, Brett, Luc, Jamin, Jesse, and Rylan Laplante. A memorial service for Freda Jean McGowan will be held at Eventide Funeral Chapel, 4820 - 45 Street, Red Deer, on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Donations in Freda's memory will be welcomed by the charity of the donor’s choice. After ninety wonderful years, Freda has gone home. Condolences may be forwarded to the family at: www.eventidefuneralchapels.com EVENTIDE FUNERAL CHAPELS 4820 - 45th Street, Red Deer. Phone (403) 347-2222