Wanda Rae Freedman

In Loving Memory of Wanda Rae Freedman

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Wanda Rae Freedman, age 68, who left this world on May 29, 2025, at her cherished home in Fairfield, Connecticut, surrounded by her loving family. Wanda courageously battled glioblastoma brain cancer, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and passion.

Born in Vallejo, California, Wanda was the beloved daughter of Gerald William Lundeen and Cora Virginia Cole. She dedicated herself to helping others early in life, serving as a physical therapist in the U.S. Navy at the Naval Base in Groton, Connecticut, until 1981. During this time, she pursued her college education, earning credits in her spare time.

In 1981, Wanda met Ed Freedman, the love of her life, and on September 16, 1984, they were married at their home in Hamden, Connecticut. That same year, she proudly graduated from Quinnipiac College with a degree in Physical Therapy and soon began working in private practice, dedicating herself to the care and rehabilitation of her patients.

Together, Wanda and Ed built a beautiful life, purchasing their first home in Hamden before settling in Fairfield in 1988, where they raised their three children, Leah, Amber, and Ethan. As their children grew up, married, and started families of their own, Wanda took a special interest in helping them settle into their new homes, offering guidance, warmth, and support. She embraced her role as a grandmother wholeheartedly, showering her grandchildren with love, patience, and joy, making countless cherished memories with them.

Wanda had a deep love for birds, sharing her home with her cherished companions, Kiwi, an Amazon parrot, age 25, and Bali, a Cockatoo, age 20. Her affection for them extended beyond the walls of her home—she was known for taking Bali, and occasionally Kiwi, for walks in a baby stroller outfitted with bird cages, delighting the neighborhood children, who loved chatting with the birds as they eagerly talked back. Wanda’s appreciation for nature led her to Audubon sites, where she found peace and wonder in watching birds in their natural habitats.

Her love for the outdoors was reflected not only in her children's scouting activities—where she actively participated in Brownies outdoor events with Leah and Amber, and hiking and camping trips with Ethan during his time in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts—but also in the summer weeklong camping trips the Freedman family took throughout New England and as far south as West Virginia. Wanda and Ed shared a deep love for camping and wilderness, and their children learned how to set up and manage campsites, fostering a lifelong appreciation for nature.

Wanda’s creativity shone through her quilting, sewing, and crocheting, with each stitch a testament to her ability to create beauty and comfort for those she loved. She also had a deep passion for gardening, transforming their outdoor space into a breathtaking oasis of perennial plantings—a reflection of the patience and care she poured into every aspect of her life.

Wanda is survived by her devoted husband, Ed Freedman, and her beloved children: Leah (Freedman) Neubig and her husband, Ron Neubig, and their children, Rosie Rae and Jeremy William; Amber (Freedman) Lousos and her husband, Chris Lousos, and their son, Theodore; and Ethan Freedman and his wife, Sarah Crothers Freedman. She also leaves behind her half-sister, Barbara Turner, and her half-brother, Jeff Lundeen, along with her stepsisters, Debby Campbell, Paula Husted, Sandy Wolfer, and many extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Connecticut Audubon Society of Fairfield honoring Wanda’s lifelong love of birds and nature. A celebration of life event will be held at Stappa Vinyard in Orange, CT on June 13th from noon and running throughout the afternoon to commemorate Wanda’s lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her.