Blanche Everett Freed died peacefully on Sunday, April 2, 2000.
Blanche was born on May 21, 1912 to Josephine Morris and Joseph A. F. Everett. The oldest of four children, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Bette Truman and Ruth Fox; and one brother, Paul, who died in infancy. She was raised in a home filled with art and music and was blessed with great talent in both. Blanche attended Wasatch Elementary, Bryant Junior High, LDS High School and the University of Utah where she graduated in music and mathematics in 1933. She was a member of Chi Omega Sorority and many other organizations. She was the U of U's designated accompanist for singers who performed at the University. She taught music at Jordan Jr. High School. She was awarded a scholarship to study piano in Munich, Germany but chose to marry David Lester Freed on October 6, 1934. They have been married 65 years.Blanche is survived by her husband, David; and three daughters: Jasmine Rich (Dr. J. Charles), Josephine Rose (J. Mark), and Jane Hinckley (Richard G.), along with thirteen grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. They will miss her cheerful, positive attitude and unfailing love and support.
Blanche loved the Utah Symphony. She co-founded the Symphony Guild with Becky Almond and served as its president. She sat on the Symphony Board of Directors, was co-chairman of the Endowment fundraising committee, and a member of the Maestro Club and the Search Committee for a new conductor after Maurice Abravanel retired. For over fifty years she rarely missed a
concert.
Blanche and Enid Cosgriff founded the Ballet Society which later became Ballet West. As president of the Neighborhood House she helped raise the money and supervised the construction of its present building. She was active in Junior League, Salt Lake Art Barn, Pioneer Theater, Fine Arts Board of the Town Club, and president of many PTA organizations. She was elected to the S.L. Council of Women Hall of Fame. In 1994 she received the Woman of Vision award.
Blanche's love and loyalty to the University of Utah were recognized when she was appointed the first woman to chair the National Alumni fund-raising campaign. She was a member of the University's National Advisory Council from 1977 to the time of her death. She received the Emeritus Award and was given the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University. She was a member of the College of Fine Arts Advisory Board.
Blanche had a life-long love of music. She was an excellent sight reader, could play anything by ear and accompany anyone who could hum a tune. She was well trained in classical techniques and for years was part of a piano foursome that played the music of the great composers. She was a jazz fan and she and her sisters loved hearing the big bands. They became friends with Duke Ellington and other artists.
Blanche was an ardent supporter of tennis, her husband's great love. She spent countless hours organizing tournaments and in 1960 and 1961 she traveled with her husband around the world during his tenure as Captain of the United States Davis Cup Team and was a wonderful ambassador.
Blanche was a member of the LDS Church. She was raised in a devout home where she learned to love the scriptures and developed a deep, child-like faith that never left her. She had many callings but her favorite was as organist. She received the Diamond Service Pin for over 50 years as church
organist.
Blanche was always cheerful and never complained despite many serious illnesses. She exhibited the most extraordinary combination of beauty, elegance and sophistication along with genuine love and kindness. Everyone who came to her home was greeted by her warmth--and her delicious cooking!
Our family is especially grateful to Carmela Ghersi and her family. We will never forget their exceptional loving care.
Services will be held at the Federal Heights Ward building, 1300 Fairfax Road (6th Ave and Virginia Street) at noon on Saturday, April 8. Friends may call Friday evening at the Federal Heights Ward, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and on Saturday at the Ward, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Utah Symphony or the Youth Tennis Foundation, Box 2009, 84110, would be appreciated.