Obituary of Edel Freitag
Edel Freitag (nee Bass), 79, of Tewksbury, NJ died peacefully on October 29, 2019, surrounded by her devoted husband and family, from complications of cancer. Born to the late Herta and Helmut Bass, she was raised in Irvington, NJ, graduating from Irvington High School and Kean University, where she earned her Bachelor's and Master’s Degrees in Education.
Edel grew up one of seven siblings, who she treasured throughout her life. She met her husband, Peter Freitag, in high school and they married in 1962. Together they raised their three children in Martinsville, NJ. Friends and family will always remember the love and guidance she gave to her children and her large extended family. Edel’s six grandchildren were especially cherished and she took great interest in all their activities, was very proud of their accomplishments, and was always there to support them. She loved family gatherings, particularly the Bass Family Christmas Eve celebration, a life long tradition. Family was always the focus of her life.
A continuous learner and an avid reader, Edel's true passion was attending classical music concerts. She was adventurous, traveling with Peter internationally, along with frequent trips to see her grandchildren in California. An active and social person, she enjoyed golf, tennis, skiing, summers on Long Beach Island and seasons in Vermont. She had the good fortune of many lifelong friends who will hold her in their hearts forever.
Edel was independent, pursued a career, and deftly balanced the demands of home life. Her career was spent as an exceptional educator in the Bridgewater-Raritan school district, holding various roles in special education and in guidance as a counselor. She was highly respected by students and peers alike for the unwavering support and caring she showed every student in helping them reach their potential.
In addition to her husband, Peter, she is survived by her son William and children Joshua and Sarah and wife Angel and stepson Grant; her son Peter and son John and partner Bernadette DeCelle; her daughter Karin Wick and husband Paul and their children, Alex, Ava and Elsa; her sisters and brother Inge Mills, Marianne Mish, Walter Bass, and Elizabeth Soos and her husband William; and sisters-in-laws Marion Bass and Bette Bass. She was predeceased by her brothers Manfred and Gerhard, brother-in-law Joseph Mish, and sister-in-law Marion Bass. Edel was also the loving aunt to 22 nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.
Visitation will be November 3, from 1-5 at the Bailey Funeral Home, 176 Main Street, Peapack, NJ. Funeral Mass will be November 4, at 10:30, St. Elizabeth Church, Far Hills, NJ followed by interment at St. Bernards Cemetery, Bernardsville.
