Encarnacion Marie Freeman A Christmas angel was received into Heaven on Dec. 23. Encarnacion Marie “Chona” Freeman passed away in the hospital in Winslow. She was born on March 25, 1930, in Winslow. She grew up near Sanders. She graduated from Sanders High School, then went to secretarial school in Chicago. While in Chicago her family moved to Winslow. After less than a year she returned to her family in Winslow where she worked for a short time as a Harvey Girl. Chona decided to attend Arizona State Teachers College in Flagstaff. There she met her future husband Gleston Freeman. They were married in July, 1952. Once they received their degrees in teaching, they moved to Ganado then moved to Flagstaff before moving to Cottonwood in 1959. Gleston taught fifth grade and she subbed for the school. In 1962, the family moved to Winslow. Chona taught in Winslow for more than 30 years. It was a rewarding career. She loved teaching and she loved her students. When former students would approach her, she was thrilled. Chona comes from a large family. There was a special place in her heart for each of them. Those who preceded her in death are her parents, Martin and Herlinda Gonzalez; husband, Gleston Freeman; son Jefferson Freeman; brothers, Ralph Gonzalez, Apolinar Gonzalez, Raymond Gonzalez and Martin Gonzalez; sisters, Esparanza Sloan and Venancia Gonzalez. She is survived by her children, Patricia Freeman, Theron Freeman and Martin Freeman; brothers, Joe Gonzalez and Mike Gonzalez; sister, Mary Lou Gonzalez; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A viewing will be held at 8 a.m., followed by Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 30, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Winslow.
