Freda Jean Hopper (nee Watson)

Freda Jean Hopper was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, community leader, and founding volunteer whose warmth and generosity helped shape the early years of the Pavilion of Scotland.

Born in Winnipeg, Freda attended Success Business School and worked at various times with the Nutty Club, the Salvation Army, and Heritage Lodge Personal Care Home.

During the Second World War, Freda met Harold R. Hopper in Ottawa. They married and shared 62 loving years together, building a rewarding life centred on family, friendship, service, and adventure.

Freda was an energetic and dedicated volunteer. During the 1960s and 1970s, she served as President of the Engineers’ Wives Association and President of the Home and School Association. She and her family also enjoyed participating in the Winnipeg Amateur Movie Makers Club.

Deeply proud of her Scottish heritage, Freda was an inaugural and longtime volunteer with Folklorama’s Pavilion of Scotland. Her commitment helped establish the Pavilion’s traditions of hospitality, fellowship, and cultural celebration during its formative years.

She took particular pride in the Highland dancers, pipers, and drummers within her family. Through their accomplishments, she saw the Scottish traditions she treasured passed proudly from one generation to the next.

Freda and Harold loved to travel and found special joy in exploring the world with members of their family. Above all, Freda’s greatest passion was her large and loving clan—her daughters, Jean, Barbara, Judy, and Kathleen; her 13 grandchildren; her 16 great-grandchildren; and her extended family and lifelong friends.

Known for her kind spirit, wise words, laughter, remarkable strength, and willingness to help others, Freda was the matriarch who kept family ties strong.

Freda passed away in Calgary on May 20, 2014.