On October 3,2023, our beloved Christine Freeman closed her eyes and embarked on her journey to Glory. At the age of 94, she left behind a legacy of a full, fruitful, and well-lived life.

Christine Freeman, the first-born of seven children to Sylvester Mole, Sr., and Corine Lingard Mole, was born on February 16, 1929, in Hampton County, South Carolina. Raised on their family's 480-acre farmland, Christine and her brother Sylvester Jr. worked alongside their parents during harvest season when they weren't attending school. In adulthood, she cherished returning home each fall with her late husband, Robert A. Freeman, to assist her aging parents during the harvest; a tradition she lovingly upheld for two weeks every year until their passing.

In the early fifties, Christine made the profound decision to provide her children with greater opportunities, leading her on a courageous journey from her southern roots to the bustling city of New York. There, she encountered the love of her life, Robert, and together they embarked on a remarkable journey of love and family. Christine's kitchen became a sanctuary of love, where her culinary talents shone brightest. Her generous heart was evident in every dish she prepared, with weekend dinners becoming legendary feasts. It was through these meals that she conveyed her deepest affection. Friday evenings were a joyful tradition, as dear friends gathered for informal fish fries, filling their hearts with laughter, music, and card games long into the night. Beloved friends like Ms. Maddie, Mrs. Charlotte, Mrs. Ruby, Ms. Lil, and Aunt Hester became extended family, bound by the threads of Christine's delicious food and their sisterly bonds. During the holidays, Christine's kitchen transformed into a bakery, churning out sweet potato pies, pound cakes, sheet cakes, and her cherished coconut cream pie. Christmas brought the magic of gingerbread cookies, with the first batch reserved for young Timothy Newkirk, a dear child of her cherished friend, Mrs. Mabel. On her precious days off from work, Christine would prepare elaborate dinners and would share them with her neighbors which spared them the need to cook. Christine's legacy lives on in the hearts (and bellies) of all who were fortunate enough to taste her love-infused dishes and enjoy the warmth of her generous spirit.

Christine was blessed with a dedicated career, spanning 26 years at Montrose Veteran Hospital which allowed Christine to shine in her role as a nurse until her well-deserved retirement. She offered rides to coworkers and also mentored them, which earned her the affectionate title of "mom" from many. She showered her patients with special care, even painting their nails to make them feel cherished. Christine's coworkers remained close to her even after retirement. Her dedication to her patients and the profession earned her several awards and accolades.

In the early years of her marriage to Robert, Christine found joy in attending military balls hosted by the Marine Corps. She also cherished summer boat rides on the Hudson River and the camaraderie of clam bakes with dear friends. She later found solace in the beauty of the Hudson River and at Downing Park, where she spent countless weekends feeding the ducks, geese, and gulls.

Christine's lifelong love for plants and gardening blossomed from her farm upbringing. Her flower garden boasted vibrant roses, dahlias, and hydrangeas, while her small vegetable garden yielded an abundant amount of greens which she generously shared with family and friends and preserved the rest for the year ahead. Her passion for plants extended throughout her home, with an entire second floor adorned in greenery. She lovingly crafted special pots as gifts for friends which was a testament to her enduring green thumb.

Above all, Christine's greatest joy was her family. She doted on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, pouring boundless love into their lives. She enjoyed reflecting on the memories she shared with her grandchildren whenever they visited as kids. Her fondest memories were of visits during their summer breaks or during the holidays when she would have the opportunity to share her passions with her family.

Despite the numerous challenges Christine encountered and triumphed over in her lifetime, she faced each one with unwavering determination and grace. Her resilient spirit was evident in her steadfast belief that she wouldn't back down from any battle and her mantra of creating happiness regardless of circumstances helped her to overcome severe illness. She was a dedicated wife, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, a loyal sister, and friend. To remember Christine is to remember the warmth of her hugs and the solace of her comfort. Christine's legacy is one of love, nurturing, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of life's simple pleasures. She taught us how to embrace life with humor, wisdom, and boundless kindness, leaving us with invaluable lessons to treasure and pass on for generations to come.

Christine is preceded in death by her husband Robert A. Freeman, parents Slyvester Mole Sr. and Corine Lingard Mole, son Francis Nelson, son Kenneth Nelson, brother Sylvester Mole Jr., sister-in-law Rena Mole, sister Sadie Grant, brothers Orie Mole, Harry Mole and Roy Mole and her sister Corine Tyler. In addition, she is preceded in death by her dear friends Aunt Hester Webb, Charlotte Parker, and Ruby Farrah.

Christine is survived by her children: David Nelson Jr., (Kathleen), Arlene Copeland (Nathan), Paschal Nelson (Carri), Robert Freeman Jr., Larry Aurther Nelson (Denise), and Gerald Nelson; grandchildren: Garnett Reeves, Raquel Raby (Patrick), Safara Martinez (Eric), Quturah Abdullah Delima, Leah Horton (Bill), Saiyd Copeland (Angela), Shanonda Star McGovern (James), Danielle Nelson-Martin (John), Michelle Nelson, Dr. Zayn Copeland, Chantee Nelson, Esq., Gerald Nelson Jr., Damon Nelson (Kayla), Shellandria Nelson, Desma Hartman (Sarah), Desja-Rae Hartman (Adam), Isaiah Nelson; great-grandchildren: Julius Raby, Patrick Raby II, Marcellus Chouteau, Jordan Russell, Taylor Russell, John David Martin III, Synnovia Green, Siddiq Abdul Khaliq, Sakinah Abdul Khaliq, Kayla Taylor, Dante Taylor, Kyle Martinez, Adrian Martinez, Taj-Amman Nathan Williams, Tajah'Nei Kadijah-Inez Williams, Ty'ari Nathaniel Walker, Tyriq Keith Walker, Ty'rell Craig Williams, Tasleemah Shukurah-Hassan Whiteside, Madeline Horton, Cristina Horton and Yalina Copeland; brother-in-law Norris Grant and sister-in-law Doris Mole; nieces and nephews: Eric Tyler, John Patterson, Edna Folk, Yideeya Doighty, Estella Onorato, Rodney Hayes (Gilda), Marcus Allen, Daphne Wallace (Howard), Staphne Wing (James, Jr.), James Mole, Paulette Copeland-Bolton, Rhonda Simon, Shana Simon and a very special niece who was like a daughter, Plandy; dear friend Catherleen Park Smith; and a host of grand-nieces and nephews, loving relatives and friends.





There is No Light Without a Dawning
By Helen Steiner Rice

No winter without a spring
And beyond the dark horizon
Our hearts will once more sing…
For those who leave us for a while
Have only gone away
Out of a restless, care worn world
Into a brighter day


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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

THE FAMILY OF Christine Freeman wishes to express their deep appreciation and gratitude for the expressions of sympathy and thoughtfulness extended during this period of bereavement. The family welcomes condolences to be sent to Brooks Funeral Home, Newburgh NY.


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HOMECOMING SERVICE
Friday, October 20, 2023

Church of Holy Trinity
Viewing 10 a.m. - Service 11 a.m.
44 Chamber Street - Newburgh, New York 12550

Interment
The Orange County Veterans Memorial Cemetery
111 Craigville Road, Goshen, NY 10924

Repast to follow Interment- Hampton Inn & Suites
Newburgh Stewart Airport - 1 Crossroads Ct. Newburgh, NY12550