Arija Freide walked out of her earthly shell and into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on July 10, 2026. Born on March 19, 1933, in her native land, Latvia. Forced to leave at the age of 12, with her immediate family, parents Voldemars & Anna Freide and her 2 younger sisters, Gundega and Liga. Their 6-year journey from Latvia to their final destination in Grand Rapids, Michigan included travel by whatever means possible between their home in Dundaga, Latvia and the Displaced Persons Camp in Wurzburg, Germany. Six years later a sponsor brought the family of five to work on his farm near South Bend, Indiana. After working to pay back the man’s sponsorship they were advised to come to Grand Rapids because there was a great Latvian community here. Arija completed her senior year and graduated from Ottawa Hills high school in 1951 and got her first job. In 1954 she met Bruce Cheadle while working at Hekman Baking Company. They were married a year later and spent their first year of marriage in South Bend, before returning to Grand Rapids with their infant son, Eric (Nancy). Nineteen months later daughter Kim (Bill) joined the family and two and a half years later “Irish twins” Sondra (Jim) and Tamara (Mark) completed the family. Blessed with 14 grandchildren Paul (Lauren), Joel (Angela), Tyler (Liz), Eric, Kyle (Brenda), Miles, Katelyn (Jeff), Jillian (Mike), Connor (Tom), Megan (Micah), Krista, Sydney, Emma (Joe), Parker and13 great grandchildren. Arija could sew, knit, crochet and paint like a professional. In her final years she enjoyed nothing more than a sappy Hallmark movie with her kids or grandkids, dressed from head to toe in her MGoBlue gear while sipping a warm latte. She will be laid to rest in a private family graveside service in the Latvian portion of Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her name can be made to The Grand Rapids Latvian Association, 504 Grand Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, or Frederick Meijer Gardens.
One Response
Soni, Kate, and family,
We are sorry for the loss of your special mom and grandma. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God surround you with His peace and presence during this time.
Love,
Anne Kuiper and Julie Deppe