Brenda Joyce Freddi

Brenda Joyce (Roper) Freddi was born March 7, 1952 in Bakersfield, California to Letha and Troy Roper. Brenda would meet the love of her life through happenstance when Angelo “AJ” Freddi happened to randomly meet her while helping a friend out. When AJ spotted Brenda, who he described as a fiery red head, he was immediately in love and the world stopped. AJ back in those days was incredibly shy and Brenda would later joke that she opened Pandora’s box the moment she encouraged AJ to start talking.

They would marry on June 28, 1969, in Fresno, California and were inseparable. They would be blessed with three children, Angelo Freddi III, Letha Shook and Ellen Freddi. As a mom, Brenda always kept busy and Ellen would say her mother probably deserved a medal. AJ would say that they would raise most of the kids in West Salem, as their home was always welcome to the other kids. Brenda was always loving and would spoil her kids; she loved her home the best was it was bustling with friends and family.

From 1986-1999, she and AJ would own and operate their own janitorial company while she was working for Oregon Youth Authority at the Maclaren Campus. Brenda started taking college classes and found herself as a temp employee and the managers just never seemed to pull the trigger on making her a full-time employee. One day, AJ decided to call Maclaren and pretended to be a prospective employer checking Brenda’s references. The very next day she was hired. She would hold many positions throughout her time working there but her proudest moments was the work that she did for the Local 503 union. AJ would say that when it came to management, Brenda liked to rock the boat or stir the pot. She wanted to advocate for people and make sure they were treated fairly. With the union she would hold several positions such as chief steward, vice president, treasurer, and secretary. Often, people would tell Brenda that something simply couldn’t be done. That was probably the worst statement to say as she would make sure it could be done. That was part of her fiery and tenacious spirit. Brenda would retire from Oregon Youth Authority in 2015 and that newfound time lent her many adventures with AJ and family.

Together, they would travel to 22 states, Canada, South Carolina, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon. They would get to these destinations by RV, Airplane, Pick up truck and even a truck with trailer! When not traveling, Brenda would spend her time knitting and most recently had been working on a baby blanket for her newest grandchild. She also would cross stitch and she had a passion for writing. Brenda over the years would write many stories, poems, and even a book, although it never got published. She also loved sharing a good story and her excellent sense of humor often added to the tale.

Throughout her life, Brenda was faced with many health challenges and there were times before when doctors didn’t quite think she would make it and somehow my the miracle of angels she did. Her goal was always to try and spend one more day with the people she loved the most.

On December 16, 2022, at age 70, Brenda passed away at her home in Woodburn, Oregon. She is survived by her husband, AJ Freddi; children, Angelo Freddi, Letha Shook and Ellen Freddi; grandchildren, Jade Zilliot and Jennah Freddi-Martin in addition to her great granddaughter, Paislegh Zepeda.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 2pm at Weddle Funeral Service in Stayton.