Aug. 8, 1923-Oct. 9, 2009

Frieda B. Moran died of natural causes Oct. 9, 2009, in Tempe, Ariz.

A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the banquet room at Bella Vista Restaurant in Peters Creek.

Moran was born Aug. 8, 1923, to Githa and Fred Bouwman in Wayland, Mich. She married Frank Moran and the pair lived happily together for 42 years.

Moran, who lived in Sun Lakes, Ariz., was a visitor to Alaska and Eagle River every summer for the past 30 years. She continued to come to Alaska every summer even after her husband, Frank, passed away in 1986.

After her retirement from teaching she was able to come for longer summer visits, traveling as far north as Nome, and returning to the Lower 48 via a cruise along the Panhandle one year.

She was an avid bridge player, volunteer with the Sun Lakes Posse, loved her book club, and held positions within AAUW.

Moran's travels also took her to the Soviet Union, China, Israel and Morocco.

She celebrated her 80th birthday with a party in Eagle River and the event made her realize how many friends she had made over the summer visits to Alaska.

She was most proud of her three children, enjoyed time spent with them and considered them "friends."

She was a cherished wife, mother and valued friend. Her celebration by life will be led by her friend retired pastor, Bob Chadwick.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Moran is survived by Jim and Susan Bickman (Eagle River); Diane Moran (Tempe, Ariz.); Ted and Victoria Moran (Palmer); granddaughters Megan, Molly and Melissa; brother Fred Bouwman; and sister Rena Blakkan.