80 year old Freda Evelyn Hall Ruel came into this world the same way she would live life, on her own terms. Born in an elevator at Windham Hospital, in Connecticut, she didn’t have the patience to wait for everyone else.
Growing up in Willington, CT, her parents were Freda and Gardiner Hall. Named after her mother, Freda was the youngest of six children, with beloved twin sisters and three brothers. Her father bestowed her the nickname “Sugar.” It was a nickname that would last a lifetime, although anyone who knew Freda knows that “Sugar” was usually followed by a little spice.
After graduating high school, Freda attended Chandler School for Women in Boston. While living there, she met Edward J. Ruel Jr. In 1969, they got married in Willington, then returned to Boston, settling in Roslindale to start a family. Freda loved being a mother to her three children. Especially being able to tell them stories and share experiences, one of them being her love for Lake George, NY in which she spent summers of her own childhood. After her divorce from Edward, Freda moved to Mattapoisett, another cherished summer destination. The both of them remained steadfast in their love and commitment to their kids.
Freda lived by the saying, “Pull up your bootstraps and keep going.” Throughout the years, she proved her resilience, independence, and ingenuity. Even at one point, building her own shed all on her own. For 26 years, Freda worked as a Transit Bus Driver for SRTA. If she was your driver, your ride would’ve been more of an experience than a service. Through examples like customers hand-making gifts or becoming family, she built relationships that lasted long after the bus route ended.
Holidays were a huge part of Freda’s life. From Thanksgiving to Christmas, she fully committed. Thanksgiving was celebrated amongst family, friends, and occasionally a complete stranger with nowhere else to go. For Christmas, her fresh tree was covered with unique handmade ornaments, always finding room for just one more. The familiar smell of her famous homemade apple pie filled the house on these special days, care and hard work going into the details down to the crust. At the end of the day, what mattered most to her wasn’t a perfect table but a full one.
In late 2024, Freda suffered a massive stroke. Once again showing her personality, she pulled up those bootstraps. She fought her way through recovery, starting at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, moving to Spaulding Rehabilitation, then settling at Nemasket Healthcare Center. We are extremely thankful for everyone who had a part in caring for Freda, with special mention to the staff at Nemasket for their dedication to her care.
She is survived by her son, Edward J. Ruel III, and his wife, Rosemary; her daughters, Heather M. Ruel, and Rachel E. Hall-Ruel and Rachel’s husband, Cornelius “Madee” Fedee.
She is also survived by her grandchildren Edward J. Ruel IV, his wife, Jessica, Jillian Ruel, Jenna Ruel, Mali Ruel-Fedee, and Marcus Ruel-Fedee, as well as Edward IV and Jessica’s two sons, Freda’s beloved great-grandchildren, Greyson Ruel and Easton Ruel.
She is predeceased by her brothers Clyde, Gregory, and Gerald, and is survived by her sisters Alice Cassells and Francis Jenner as well as several nieces and nephews.
More than anything, Freda loved her family, including her two granddogs.
Freda passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 24, 2026. Freda’s life will be remembered by the depth of who she was as a human being. Freda “Sugar” Ruel was funny, tough, generous, stubborn, and loved fiercely. A storyteller at heart, she would often speak about her life. Sharing the stories, one could tell she was a whole person filled with compassion. People will continue speaking of her apple pies, Thanksgiving tables, Christmas trees, trips to Lake George, her witty comebacks, peculiar advice, and much more, but most of all, the way she approached life. By pulling up her bootstraps.
A graveside service for Freda will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Willington Hill Cemetery, 171 Tolland Tpke, Willington, CT. All are welcome.
