Alfreda (Freda) Katherine Farno Holbert
PHOENIX – Alfreda (Freda) Katherine Farno Holbert Dooley, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother went to be with the Lord on November 1st, 2021, surrounded by her family. Her last days were filled with what she loved most, spending time with her family. Her family took care of her, and she took care of them until the day she went to be with Jesus.
Freda was born in Dayton, Ohio on June 11, 1934 to Alfred Benedict Farno and Margaret Mary Frilling Farno. She was born in the same room where both her mother and grandmother were born. In 1952 she married Robert Leon Holbert, her childhood sweetheart whom she met when she was 14 years old, and they were together until the day he died. Together they raised 5 children with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they left a legacy of love, acceptance & kindness to others.
They moved to Arizona from Ohio on November 1st, 1965 where they raised their family. While she was still raising her children she returned to work and managed a school cafeteria where she found her passion in serving others. When she retired, she used her skills guided by her passion and founded two community food pantries serving the needy and this became her ministry.
Her administrative and organizational skills helped to create the “gold standard” of how a food pantry could become a center of hope and healing for others. Freda’s Gift of Service shone brightly as she took time to minister to and pray with everyone who went to the Food Pantry for assistance. She wanted every person to feel love and kindness without judgment. She was confident in her faith and the love of Jesus and shared it with others.
Without a doubt, the things Freda loved most were Jesus, her family, going out to eat, and ice cream. Freda was a soul-winner for Christ. She lived her faith and wanted others to experience a life of faith in Jesus Christ. She found ways to make every person know not only that they were loved but that they were worthy of love. She displayed the profound joy of the Lord and a laugh in her heart each time you were with her.
Freda’s self-sacrificing love and care extended to everyone she met. She was always willing to offer a helping hand, a joyful smile, and words of grace and encouragement. If someone had a need, she would find a way to help. Freda loved helping her family, taking care of her grandchildren, and loving her children. Her grandchildren remember how much they loved spending time with her. It was peaceful to be in her presence as she was an accepting, joyful, and wonderful encourager.
She took time and really listened to what others were saying and always offered a word of hope. She studied the scriptures and easily shared them in conversation. If someone was confused, she would say, “Lean not on your own understanding” (Prov 3:5). If someone was discouraged, she would say, “Think on things that are good and true and praiseworthy” (Phil 4:8).
She would always say “I’ve lived a good, full life” and she made a point of living that good & full life every day. She passed on for generations a gentle, caring, loving compassion for family, her country, and for God. She had a positive attitude until the very end, and she passed from this life with dignity and grace. Her favorite thing was gathering at the table with friends or family; so, in lieu of flowers and in honor of Freda she would love for you to gather around your table with your family to love and encourage them.
Freda was a walking testament to what she spoke to others. She was happy, joyful, and full of peace as she walked into the arms of her Loving Savior.