Freeda Louise Sturm Roberts

FAIRLAWN - Freeda Louise Sturm Roberts, 92, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, in Akron, Ohio, the city where she was born, on November 19, 1933. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Freeda’s life was a testament to faith, service, and steadfast love.

From a young age, Freeda displayed a remarkable sense of purpose. At just eight years old, she discovered her passion for shorthand when she received a steno pad adorned with its curious symbols. That early spark grew into a lifelong vocation after a great-uncle gifted her a typewriter at age thirteen. By fifteen, she had already embarked on her professional journey as a secretary - a role she would embrace with dedication and excellence throughout her life.

Freeda’s career spanned decades and industries, including manufacturing, legal services, and higher education. She served in various secretarial and administrative assistant roles with diligence and pride. Her precision with language and deep understanding of administrative work made her an invaluable asset wherever she worked. We all learned not to challenge Freeda’s grammar recommendations or corrections – invariably, she was correct, and we laughed about our errors and her correct grammar quite often!

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Freeda’s heart was always turned toward others. She had a personal encouragement ministry that touched hundreds of lives. Through handwritten cards and letters sent across the miles and over many years, she offered comfort, celebration, and prayer. Each morning and evening, she lifted up names in prayer - an act of intercession that she considered both a joy and an honor. When she told you she was praying for you, there was no doubt that she made time during her day to lift you up to God. And her love extended beyond prayer to her trademarked “Freeda Hugs” that left no doubt how deeply she cared for you.

Freeda also expressed her love through the work of her hands. She found peace and purpose in knitting, crocheting, and cross-stitching. Her handmade blankets and sweaters warmed the lives of family and friends alike. Among her most cherished acts of service was knitting scarves for children aging out of foster care and for cancer survivors - gifts of warmth imbued with compassion.

Her faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her life. That relationship began when she was six years old, walking each week with her grandfather to attend church services on her own. Over the years, Freeda remained deeply involved in church communities across Ohio, California, Louisiana, and North Carolina. She taught third-grade Sunday school in Stow and in Wilmington, North Carolina, and joyfully welcomed congregants alongside her beloved husband at each church they called home.

Freeda shared 67 beautiful years of marriage with her “forever darling” and dancing partner, Tom Roberts, before his passing. Together they built a life rooted in love and hospitality - a legacy that continues through their children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her younger brother, Sonny Sturm; son, Bob Roberts, and his wife, Linny; daughter, Linda Maynard, and her husband, Dave; grandson, Ryan Roberts; granddaughter, Lauren Semelsberger, and her husband, Daniel; granddaughter, Hannah Maynard; honorary grandson, Ben Saplak; sisters-in-love, Donna Sturm and Laura Root; brother-in-law, Ted Root, as well as many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

Freeda was preceded in death by her husband, Tom; parents, Russell and Ora (Ferrell) Sturm; brothers, Paul Sturm, Gene Sturm, and Ed Sturm; sisters, Shirley Mosley and Mary Lou Verheyen; and grandson, Noah Maynard.

Those who knew Freeda will remember her for her compassion, sharp memory, intelligence, command of the English language, and keen interest in the legal system. Her absence leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who loved her - from family members to friends across generations and geographies.

To honor Freeda’s legacy of faith and encouragement, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to North Canton Chapel (www.ncchapel.com) or to Vocal Fusion (www.vocalfusion.org), the a cappella group of which her granddaughter is a member.

The family invites all who knew and loved Freeda to join us in celebrating her life on January 17, 2026. Calling hours will be held from 12:30 - 2 PM, at North Canton Chapel, 715 Whittier Avenue, NW, North Canton, OH  44720.  

A full memorial service will be held immediately after the calling hours in the church sanctuary.