Obituary
Rita Ellen Freer always believed that she was put on Earth to make people happy.
She led an interesting life caring for others.
Growing up she was active in Girl Scouts, and loved caring for her four sisters. After graduation she became a race car driver and organized charity events for polio victims. She later became one of the first female electricians at Bethlehem Steel, and volunteered at the United Cerebral Palsy school of Buffalo, NY, where her daughter attended.
Rita became skilled at painting and worked for the Buffalo Historical Society. She worked on the restoration of the Ansley Wilcox House and painting historical markers around the state.
Discovering a love of travel, she became an OTR truck driver where she met and married her husband of 38 years Thomas Freer. Rita and Tom were both members of Hogansville Volunteer Fire Station 8 and the Heard County Auxiliary Sheriffs Department.
At age 48, Rita changed careers again; becoming an EMT and later a paramedic. She always made sure that there were toys and comics available in the ambulance for the younger patients.
After retirement she went back to truck driving, and in her spare time worked with Good Sams RV Clubs where she made commemorative shirts and patches for their rallies and festivals.
Rita ,77, died April 1st, 2021 and is preceded in death by her parents Walter Edward and June Marjorie Zamrock of Kenmore, NY. Sisters Trudy (James) Forsaith of Buffalo, NY and Deborah (James) Mize of Williamsville, NY.
She is survived by husband Thomas E Freer of Eustis, FL, daughter Judith (David) Shipps of North Little Rock, AR, and sisters Bon Zamrock and June (Edward) Krywalski of Kenmore, NY and several nieces and nephews.
An interment and celebration of her life will be held at a later date at Acacia Park Cemetery 4215 Tonawanda Creek Rd, North Tonawanda, NY 14120. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made in Rita’s memory to the American Heart Association or United Cerebral Palsy.
Carry the determination and spice of your mom's spirit with you for the rest of your life. In doing so, you will honor her memory and heal your heart. You are in my prayers.
You and your family are in my prayers. I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent as special as your mother was to you is never easy, but you are strong and can do anything.
I miss you every day. I would not be the person I am without you always telling me “There is no such thing as Can’t - just concentrate.”
You will always be the voice in my head and heart.