Virginia Freeman - painter, poet, philanthropist - dies at 86
Virginia Allen Freeman 1926 - 2012
Mrs. Virginia Allen Freeman was born in Irwin, Tennessee to Wert and Mabel Allen. She grew up in the Appalachian Mountains surrounded by four siblings: Drusilla, Reginald, Linda and Louise. A coal miners daughter, she dreamed of a better life beyond the town limits of Lynch, Kentucky. Upon graduating high school she attended Northwestern University and later moved to Washington, DC to attend George Washington University. Among her many adventures in life she continued her career as a secretary, taking a job with the Carl M. Freeman Companies of Montgomery County, Maryland that would change her life. She worked diligently and eventually she began dating, and later married, real estate developer and CEO, Carl M. Freeman.
Together Virginia and Carl, along with his daughters Susan Freeman (McGee), Lisa Freeman and Carla Freeman, lovingly welcomed a son into their family, Joshua M. Freeman. They created a beautiful life on their family farm, Tusculum, in Sunshine Maryland. Virginia spent her days on the farm writing, creating and collecting art, enchanting guests with beautifully orchestrated dinners and hosting international artists and masters such as Rostropovich. A skilled sculptor, painter and poet ,Virginia was a gifted artist in her own right. Virginia enjoyed travelling and seeing the world. She especially loved Scotland as it held the secrets of her Scottish background and the island of St. John for its friendship and consistent blue sky welcome. Virginia was proud of the Jewish roots of the family she so lovingly embraced and wrote two books on their family heritage now found in the Library of Congress. There was no garden better then hers and no heart warmer. She was a friend to farmer and dignitary. She was a delicate, spiritual soul who made everyone that knew her feel welcome.
Virginia was a driving force behind the establishment of The Carl M. Freeman Foundation in 1960. Through the Foundation, the couple were generous contributors to many philanthropic causes including The Kennedy Center, The Corcoran Gallery, The Washington National Opera, The Olney Theater, Montgomery College, Montgomery General Hospital and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington – along with hundreds of other organizations.
Virginia was predeceased by both her husband Carl, who loved to call her Ginger, and her son Joshua who thought that she was absolutely perfect. She leaves behind many saddened friends and family including her three step daughters Susan, Lisa and Carla, their children Todd McGee (Sue) and daughter Ava, Brita McGee, Naomi VanDinter (David) and sons Seth and Ethan, Son in law Don Percious, and Daughter in law Michelle Freeman, along with grand children Nicholas, Benjamin and Juliana Freeman. She is also survived by her sister Louise and brother in law Charles Gambill as well as many other nieces, nephews. The family wishes to extended their sincere gratitude and thanks to the care givers of Virginia during her final years.
Virginia will peacefully find her final resting place at the Tusculum Farm on Tuesday, February 7 at 1:00 pm. The family will be receiving family and friends through Wednesday for Shiva services.
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, donations may be made to the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, 36097 Sand Cove Road, Selbyville, DE 19975. To donate online, visit www.freemanstage.org/donate
