Mary Freivogel, bookkeeper, native

Mary Elisabeth Freivogel of Sarasota, Fla., a former longtime Ridgefielder who had been a bookkeeper, died on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2004, at Kensington Park Nursing Home in Sarasota. She had lived in Ridgefield all her life until retiring to Florida in 1986.

Dukie Freivogel, as she was known to her family and close friends, was born in Danbury Hospital on Feb. 15, 1923, a daughter of Mary Alice and Ernst Freivogel. She grew up on the corner of Wilton Road West and Creamery Lane, and graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1941.

She attended Grey Court College in what is now known as the Ridgefield Manor, and Merrill Business School in Stamford. During her life she was a bookkeeper for many companies in the surrounding towns, most recently Hamilton Avnet in Danbury.

She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and sewing. At one time she and several Ridgefielders formed a sewing club called Stitch and Chatter. They swapped patterns and discussed latest styles.

She had been a member of St. Stephen’s Church all her life.

Ms. Freivogel is survived by her brother, Richard E. Freivogel and sister-in-law, Dorothy of Sarasota, formerly of Ridgefield; a niece, Sally Legan and her husband, Joe, and a great-grandnephew and great-grandniece, Andrew and Michelle, all of Ridgefield.

A memorial service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Main Street.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen’s Memorial Fund, 351 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877.

The Kane Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.