Freida Myra “Brookman” MacDonald, 93, died April 17, 2020, of natural causes.
Freida was the youngest of five children born to Clyde and Wavie Brookman. She attended country school and helped the family on the farm until she started high school at which she moved to town and worked at the Gambles store. Due to the depression and being needed on the farm, Freida quit school and returned to the farm.
On a sunny summer day, George “Bud” MacDonald came riding up the ranch and their friendship flourished. After serving 4 years in the army during World War II, Bud returned and their life together started. Bud and Freida farmed and ranched north of Wolf Point, MT, for over 50 years. Freida sold Stanley Home Products and cooked for the Roosevelt County Senior Citizens as well as at numerous restaurants. Everyone raves about her fried chicken and pies. Bud and Freida raised five children: Grace (Jim) Olson, Ruby (Roger) Nygaard, Jim (Charlene) MacDonald, Alan (Janet) MacDonald and Kay (Dale) Buckles. Freida was laid to rest beside her loving husband, Bud, at Greenwood Cemetary in Wolf Point, MT, on April 22nd. On their headstone it reads, “They left this world knowing they were loved,” which is so true in many ways.
Freida was preceded in death by her husband, Bud; parents, Clyde and Wavie Brookman; siblings, Marvin Brookman, Clarada Mann, Bruce Brookman, and her infant sister, Peora Ardella.
She is survived by her children, 14 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
A memorial service for Freida will be held at a later date.
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Donna Mann says
Grace, Ruby, Kay and Family————My sincere condolences to all of you at this sad time. I know it is not easy to lose your Mom and she will be missed by so many. She was always so active in her younger life and a very good cook. She loved getting the whole family together for a big meal and socializing, the more people the better she liked it. I can remember back in the day when we use to have whist parties at all the neighbors and there always seemed to be one person that nobody wanted to draw up with. ( It might have been me, cause I would sooner talk than remember what my partners invite was or who played what! ) Freida was not afraid to work and had many cooking jobs over the years, plus driving all those miles over the years. May you all find comfort in your memories of her and know she is not in pain any more. Love, Donna Mann
Betty MacDonald says
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the MacDonald family! Frieda was a beautiful, hard working, caring, loving lady and such a wonderful cook! Frieda will be missed by everyone who knew her, she had a ” Blessed ” life.
Roger and Carla Hunsley says
Our deepest sympathy to Frieda’s family. She was a wonderful lady and will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers to all her family. Love Roger and Carla Hunsley and family
Judy Knight says
I’m so sorry for your loss Jim. I’m going through the pain of loosing my Mother in January. Be strong and know she is with your Father now. Judy Knight
Cole Brookman says
My thoughts and prayers for your loss. Aunt Freida was a great woman. I have a lot of great memories of her. She was an amazing cook. She will be welcomed into Heaven by Uncle Bud and all of her brothers and sisters. I pray you all find peace during this time. God Bless
Darlyn Grainger says
Sorry for the loss your Mom, Grandmother. My Mom Kathryn (Taddy) Grainger was friends with her. I remember going to parties that your Mom did with my Mom. Condolences to the family
Jeannie Archdale says
I am so very saddened and sorry to read of Frieda’s passing. She was such a lovely lady and always was up to a good old visit. My mom truly loved Frieda and missed her when she moved to Sidney but understood why she made the decision that it was the best thing for her. I am very sure that my mom was waiting for Frieda to welcome her home. It is so hard to let our moms go, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark and Deanna Jensen says
What a grand lady she was. I missed not seeing her at the bowling alley in the later years! RIP Freida😘
Darla "Mann" Donaldson says
I spent so many hours at Aunt Freida’s place as a kid…always good memories full of fun and food! After I became an adult when I would come home to Montana Aunt Freida was always at the top of my list of people I had to see. I’m gonna miss her warm smile and contagious laugh and mostly her amazing hugs…until we meet again!
Debbie Schutt says
Ruby & family, I am so sorry for your loss!!! You are all in my thoughts and prayers!!!
Joanne Gilbert says
So sorry about Frieda’s passing! I was really glad you let us know about her death! I never knew anyone that worked so hard for so many years! God be with all of you as you go along your way.. Bernie and Joanne Gilbert💕
Janet Spracklin says
Janet and Alan, My thoughts and prayers are with you. It is never easy to lose a parent. Take care.
Kathy Doornek says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the MacDonald family. May Frieda RIP.
Scott Taylor says
Jim, Ruby, Alan..and Kay…Gail and I are so sorry to hear about Freida…..I’ll always remember going out to her farm. and the bantering we did there!….Good woman….God Bless!…..Scott and Gail Taylor
Jean Warmbrod Dixon says
My thoughts and prayers to all of Freida’s family. I’m so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful person! God bless you and comfort you.
Jean
Tom Hsgadone says
The first and only time I met Freida and Bud was in late December of 1979 when I was in a major blizzard on Highway 13 while going back to Scobey. I had nearly given up on fighting snowbanks when the lights from the MacDonalds appeared. I made it into their yard and was welcomed into their house as if we’d been friends forever. Freida and Bud let me stay with them until the road was opened a day or so later. Whenever I go up 13, I always remember what a nice couple they were to me that night. Rest in Peace Freida and Bud. You are now together again.T
Lillian Lamberson says
Deepest sympathies to Kay & all of Freida’s family. There are no words that can undo the
loss you feel; a Mom’s warm hug & smile, her love & understanding, her advice, all of these and more, are things we miss with an inexpressible longing to have them here today & know that now they are only memories. But these are all the precious imprints of that love in us that remains forever, the love of our mom’s that lives on in our hearts & lives being given to those we know.
When my parents, Verlin & Muriel Long, passed away, Freida’s comforting words were a balm to my aching heart. One of the things she said was that we never stop missing our loved ones, but the pain lessens in time. She said she still would think to call her mom with news, even years after she had passed. She helped me cope with the realities of grieving & healing.
I will miss her voice & laughter, her after Christmas cards, her big loving heart, her loyal love & friendship. I will remember her when I use her recipes & think of my Dad & the CBC, & so many other things. But she is always part of my life.
Praying God’s comfort & peace for Freida’s family & friends, and that you realize how blessed you are to have her imprinted in your lives.
Lillian (Long) Lamberson
Cheryl Nygaard says
Sure going to miss ya Grandma❤️ Your now with Grandad see you on the other side Love ya ❤️❤️❤️❤️
P. J. Southam says
Your love and kindness to me and Sue will always be remembered and appreciated.
Dale Stensland says
Thank you! With your works” you will be rewarded. See you “Over There.