Freda Mary Fournier, 99
Freda Mary Fournier, our beloved mother, passed away May 9, 2024, in Sandpoint, Idaho, at the age of 99 years and 100 days young. We were blessed to have her in our lives for so many years, and to honor her wishes, the family gathered for a graveside service at Pinecrest Memorial Park where she was interred next to her husband, Park W. (Bill) Fournier.
Freda was born Jan. 30, 1925, to Fulton and Mary Messmore in South Gate, Calif. When Freda was five years old, her parents purchased sight unseen an old log house in Westmond, Idaho, and departed California in April 1930. Upon the family's arrival to their new home, they soon discovered cows had kicked in the door to the cabin, and left a few cow pies to welcome them to North Idaho.
Freda had very fond memories of growing up in Westmond and attending the two-room Westmond Grade School. She and her brother, EJ, graduated from the eighth grade in 1939, and since there were only three students in the class, EJ and Freda were the valedictorian and salutatorian.
The Messmores then moved into Sandpoint to their home on West Pine Street so Freda and her two siblings could go to Sandpoint High School on the corner of Euclid Avenue and Pine Street. It was there she met Bill who would soon become the love of her life, and together they graduated from SHS in 1943. After graduation, Bill went off to serve his country as a proud Marine, and Freda went to work as a bookkeeper for Van's Auto Parts which later became Lou's Auto Parts. Shortly after Bill returned from World War II, the two high school sweethearts were married June 21, 1946, in Sandpoint at the Presbyterian Church, by a Methodist minister, while a Catholic played the organ, and a Lutheran sang.
Freda wanted nothing more than to be a wife and mother, and she devoted her life to loving and caring for her growing family. In 1966, Bill and Freda started the family business, Kootenai Cut Stock, and Freda did the bookkeeping for the business until they retired in 1989. After retirement, the couple spent several years enjoying the summer cabin the two of them built on the beautiful shores of Lake Pend Oreille until Bill passed away in November 2011.
Freda was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Bill Fournier, and their son, Doug Fournier, grandson Garett Sedra, great-grandson Curtis Fournier, great-great-granddaughter Kaitlin Price, and son-in-law Robert Sedra. In addition, she was preceded in death by her parents, Fulton and Mary Messmore, sister Beatrice Messmore Gregg, her brother and his wife, EJ and Lenore Messmore, niece Janice Messmore Stanke, and nephew Dean Messmore.
Family meant everything to Freda and she was the heart and soul of her family, but also very witty which proved necessary in order to deal with her large tribe. She will be dearly missed by her children, Sheryl Sedra of Montesano, Wash.; Dayton Fournier; Billie Rae and Stuart Lawson, and Casey and Heather Fournier, all of Sandpoint, Idaho. As well as her 13 grandchildren, three bonus grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren, along with her brother-in-law, Bud Fournier, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Freda was fortunate to have lived in her own home for over 69 years, but the last two months of her life she was a resident of Valley Vista Nursing Home, and the family would like to thank the staff for the care and compassion they gave Miss Freda.
Family and friends are invited to sign Freda’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.