Obituary of Freda Harriet Orr

January 11, 1926 –Kingston, Ontario

January 10, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta

Our dear mother Freda peacefully passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, with family at her side, on the eve of her 99th birthday.

Freda is survived by her daughter, Kate Van Dusen, and her sons, Rod Orr (Diane) and John Orr (Donna), along with extended family residing in Ontario. She was a loving grandmother to James, Meagan, Evan, and Everett, and to her great-grandson, Alexander. Freda was predeceased by her husband, Lloyd Van Dusen (1961) and Ernest Orr (1994); her son, Allan Van Dusen (2008); her parents, George and Mae; and her sister, Helen. 

Born in Kingston, ON, Freda moved to Calgary, AB, after World War II with her husband to settle and raise a family. She later made Cochrane, AB, her home in the early 1970s.

Freda was known for her quick wit and sense of humour and her ability to make new friends wherever she went. She enjoyed baking and cooking for her family, gardening, writing poetry, playing cards, and time spent with her loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes can be made to Big Hill Lodge, in care of Rocky View Foundation, 58 Gateway Dr. NE #103, Airdrie, AB T4B 0J6, Telephone: (403) 945-9724.

A Family Celebration of Freda’s Life will be held later in the year.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Freda’s family here.

In living memory of Freda Orr, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740