Mrs. Martha A. Freshler

Martha Alice (Shock) Freshler, 88, of Hinsdale passed away peacefully at Lee Healthcare Nursing Facility on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. She was born in Big Springs, Ohio to the late Gerald and Rayda (Haas) Shock on June 16, 1935. At the age of 8, she went to live with the late Lawrence and Phyllis Parrish Dingman in Worthington, MA. She was an honors graduate from Pittsfield High, Class of 1953. She attended Westfield College and matriculated to North Adams State College where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1969 and Master of Education in 1973. Martha was married to Harry E. Freshler, Jr for over 67 years. Martha was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family was her heartbeat! She was affectionally called Dear, Mom, Ma, Ga, and Grandma. She received Christ at an early age and was a faithful member and devoted servant at the 1st Congregational Church of Hinsdale since 1956. Martha served with a heart of love as: Sunday School Supertindent, Deacon, Church Historian/Secretary, Senior Choir, Food Pantry, and Pilgrim Fellowship Team Sport’s Mom to name a few. She was a recipient of the Roy Barnes Volunteer Service Award for her compassionate servant’s heart within the church. Martha first met the love of her life, Harry “Junie” Freshler when she was 14 while attending square dance classes. Too young to date, it would be 5 years later after his return home from service in the Army they would meet again at a square dance in 1954. They were married on September 25, 1955, and to this union three children were born. Martha started her employment in education as a substitute teacher in Middlefield teaching kindergarten for 2 years. She then went to Kittredge Elementary School, where she taught 2nd – 4th grade from 1968 -1993. Martha retired from Central Berkshire Regional School District after 27 years. After retiring, her favorite thing to do was going out to lunch with Harry every day. Martha was a beloved member of the Hinsdale community. She was Chairman of the Counseling of Aging for many years, Co-founder of the Hinsdale Food Pantry, and a Dalton’s Sunday Lunch volunteer and cook. She supported the Lion's Club Dinners, numerous community events by donating hundreds of pounds of fudge, and hours of dedicated service toward the education of youth. She enjoyed family gatherings and cook-outs, reading contemporary romance novels, and Spring/Fall vacations with Mary Lou and the late Bob Galliher in Maine. Martha was well known for her culinary skills. Favorite requests from family and friends were her chocolate fudge, Whoopi pies, Jello cakes, Zucchini bread, Cherry Jubilee, Banana Cream pies, and potato salad! She would affectionally encourage family and friends alike when face with life challenges with “This too shall pass.” Martha leaves to cherish her memories her loving and devoted Sons: Donald (Jean) of St Petersburg FL, Lawrence (Sonia) of Spokane Washington, Son-in-Law; Hal Ross; Foster Sister: Shirley Robinson, Brother-in-Law: Allen Freshler, Grandchildren: Peter Ross, Barrett and Brett Freshler; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and special friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry E. Freshler, Jr, her daughter, Joan Marie (Freshler) Ross, her parents, Gerald and Rayda (Haas) Shock, her Foster parents, Lawrence and Phyllis Parrish Dingman, and her brothers, Eugene and Donald Shock. Funeral Notice: Celebration of Life services for Martha will be Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 11 am at the First Congregational Church of Hinsdale, 129 Maple Street, Hinsdale, MA 01235. An hour of visitation at the church will be held prior to the service, from 10 am to 11am. Interment: Private burial for family at a later date at the Maple Street Cemetery, Hinsdale, MA 01235 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Martha’s memory be made to the Hinsdale Food Pantry at 371 Old Dalton Rd, Hinsdale MA 01235 and 1st Congregational Church of Hinsdale.

Mrs. Martha A. Freshler

June 16, 1935 - August 16, 2023