April 22, 1919 - October 20, 2018

Long time Downey resident, Lillian L. Freeman, passed away at the age of 99 on October 20, 2018. Lillian was born in Lawrence, Kansas on April 22, 1919. She was the very first “Miss Baldwin City” in the Kansas Division of the Miss America Contest. Lillian was a gifted pianist and played a difficult classical number as her exhibition talent. Based on her piano skills, she won three musical scholarships to Baker University, Emporia State Teacher’s College and Kansas University.

Lillian was married to Edward Garner Henrich from 1937 until he passed away in 1964. She then married Berkley Ludwick “Lud” Freeman in 1965 until he passed away in 2004.

Lillian was a member of the Downey United Methodist Church and played the piano and organ. She was active with the Downey Shrinettes, serving as President in 1985. She was also an active member of the Woman’s Club of Downey for several years.

Lillian was an avid sports fan, especially baseball, when her son, Robert “Bobby” Henrich played for the Cincinnati Reds. She was a devout Los Angeles Lakers supporter. In addition to sports, she also followed the entertainment industry and enthusiastically looked forward to the Red Carpet and Academy Awards Ceremony. Lillian remained mentally astute throughout her life and was an expert on fashion and current events.

Lillian is survived by her two sons, Robert E. Henrich, James W. Henrich and granddaughter, Kristina P. Henrich-Blaich. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, Edward G. Henrich and Berkley L. Freeman and two grandsons, Donald J. Henrich and Thomas W. Henrich.

Lillian L. Freeman led a long, fulfilling and fruitful life. She will truly be missed by all of her relatives and friends, but she will never be forgotten.