Margaret T. Freiler

Margaret T. Cantrell Freiler, age 94, of Trumbull passed away peacefully on August 28, 2023 surrounded by her family. She was predeceased by her husband Michael J. Freiler, a grandson Daniel E. Fritea, and her sister Fran Erbe (Rudy) of Virginia. She will be lovingly remembered by her children Ronald Rhine of Cheshire, Patricia Catucci (Tom) of Canterbury,  Debra Atwater (Brandon) of Hamden, Denise Yates (Mark) of Wallingford, Martin Freiler (Trudi), Catherine Fritea of Trumbull and her grandchildren Jesse Scott, Arielle Santangelo (Patricia), Kathleen Blake (Casey), Olivia Freiler, Carlie Freiler and Nikolas Fritea as well as her great grandchildren Amelia, Hailey and Leonardo. She will also be dearly missed by several nieces and nephews.

Margaret was born in New York City to the late Foyal and Angela Rose Cantrell. She graduated from Julia Richman High School. As a native New Yorker she enjoyed her sales position at Gimbels on Herald Square. She was also an usherette at the RKO Movie Theater in Manhattan. She had a life-long passion for singing which she shared joyfully with family and friends. She was an avid roller skater and enjoyed live performances at Radio City Musical Hall.

Margaret’s life centered around her children and grandchildren and many other children that she cared for. She enjoyed preparing Sunday dinners for her large family and baking after school treats.

Her visual impairment did not stop her from being an AVON representative, enjoying weekly bingo games, taking Casino bus trips and Saturday dances at the Moose club in Bridgeport. For many years she was a member of the National Federation of the Blind of CT (NFBCT) and served as a past president. Margaret had many friendships — from childhood friends in NYC and throughout her hometown community in Connecticut. We would like to extend our gratitude to all those who were there for her during her lifetime. A special thank you to the VITAS hospice nurses for her recent care.

Friends and family are invited to attend her memorial services on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 3pm, St. Ann’s Church - 481 Brewster St, Bridgeport, CT. Immediately following will be a celebration of Margaret’s life at Port 5 Naval Veterans organization at 69 Brewster St. Bridgeport, CT.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. https://www.loc.gov/nls/