Freda F. Wanner

Freda Wanner, age 94, of North Coventry Township, passed away peacefully at home on May 26, 2025. Freda Frances DiGiacinto was born on January 13, 1931, in Pottstown, PA, to Anna (DePasqual) and Fred DiGiacinto.

Freda married Ronald Wanner on February 2, 1952. They shared 56 loving years of marriage until Ronald’s passing in 2008. Together, they raised four children: Wendy Wanner Clough of York, PA; Betsy Bevan (Kenneth) of Spring City, PA; Peter Wanner (Adrianne) of Douglassville, PA; and Christine Gray (Theodore) of North Coventry Township.

She was a devoted “Grammy” to Anna Bevan (Taylor Friehl), Stephen Wanner (Helen), Sarah Clough, Elizabeth Bevan Carr (James), Hannah Clough, Collin Gray, Aaron Gray (Angela Araque), Julianne Wanner (Adam Carr), and Lucas Gray. She was also a proud “Great Grammy” to Kamryn Wanner and Zoey, Henry, and Molly Carr.

In addition to her husband, Freda was predeceased by her sisters, Edith Boone (David) and Dorothy Bilinski (Nicholas), and many beloved relatives and dear friends. She was “Aunt Freda” and a second mom to many nieces, nephews, and friends. She is also survived by her beloved cat, Jack Wanner—her entertaining and loyal companion for the past eight years.

In her 20s, Freda worked as a milliner at The Claire Hat Shop in Pottstown before dedicating herself to raising her family—her greatest joy. She was a devoted and nurturing Mom extraordinaire who brought her family together weekly for Sunday dinners well into her 80s. Her love of children extended to her work as a teacher’s aide at North Coventry Elementary School and PALS Preschool in Pottstown.

Freda’s life was rooted in faith and service. A longtime member of Shenkel United Church of Christ in North Coventry, she served on numerous committees and community outreach programs. She was instrumental in establishing Shenkel’s Wholeness Ministry and Prayer Community. Her deep faith and belief in the power of prayer were a source of inspiration to many. Freda also volunteered for various community service organizations throughout the Pottstown area, including the Cluster Outreach.

She found deep contentment in life’s simple pleasures. Nature uplifted her spirit, and she found peace watching birds and the hills from the picture window of the home she and her husband built and lived in for over 70 years.

A casual time of remembrance and joyful celebration will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, in the church at Shenkel United Church of Christ, 1580 Shenkel Road, Pottstown, PA 19465. A continental breakfast will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 10:45 AM in the Shenkel Church. All services will be held indoors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shenkel UCC at the address above.