Val Jean Freehling

Val Jean Delores Freehling, 88, of Littleton, Colorado, passed away Sunday, February 7, 2021, at the Porter Hospice Center in Centennial, CO. She was preceded in death by her parents, John William Sr. and Mary Yakubic Fecich, and brother, John Fecich Jr. She is survived by her beloved husband Walter, daughter Trina Bibbero of Littleton, CO, granddaughter Nikki Bibbero of Denver, CO, sister-in-law Leona Barnes of Cabot, PA, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Born June 21, 1932, in Butler, Pennsylvania, Val Jean, known to many as Toots, had four pillars that best described her life: faith, family, music, and education.

She graduated in 1950 from Butler High School in the top 5 of her graduating class of 500 students.

She was an original member of the Lyndora Drum and Bugle Corps, playing the glockenspiel. After graduation from high school, she served as chaperone for and accompanied the Corps on all parades. She was also an excellent pianist, playing for friends and family at every opportunity, especially around the holidays.

She worked at Butler Savings Bank as a teller until she married Walter Freehling in 1954. They were married for 66 years, traveled extensively, and treasured their times with family and friends.

Before retiring in 1996, she worked for Burrell School District in Lower Burrell, PA, for 30 years. She started as the Reading Lab Assistant and moved into the position of Secretary to the Stewart School Principal. She loved working with the teachers, children, and administration.

After retirement, Val and Walt moved to Littleton, CO, to be close to their daughter and granddaughter. They enjoyed attending their girls' various school, work, church, and personal functions.

She was an active member of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in New Kensington, PA, for many years before moving to Colorado in 2005, and has since been a member of St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church in Greenwood Village, CO. She sang in church choirs for 60 years and was a member of the Ladies Philoptochos (Friends of the Poor) group at her church.

Trisagion service will be Sunday, February 14, at 7:00 PM. Funeral will be on Monday, February 15, at 1:00 PM. Both services will be held at St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church, 5555 S. Yosemite Street, Greenwood Village, CO  80111. Due to Covid restrictions, seating is limited and you must sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E48ADAC23A20-trisagion for each service that you plan to attend. Masks and social distancing are required. The services are available for later viewing at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdnBDf1rKZ5ewXLy4iXWsdw/videos?view=2

Memorial donations may be made to St. Catherine Church Choir, Porter Hospice Center, the American Heart Association, or the American Kidney Fund.