Josephine Freede

Class of
2002
Josephine Freede

Josephine Freede

“She has a sense of commitment and an innate love of people.”
The Oklahoman

Biography

The legendary Oklahoma volunteer and philanthropist Josephine “Jose” Freede received her Charter Society in Physiotherapy Degree before training at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopedic Hospital in England. It was at the hospital where she met her husband, Henry, an orthopedic surgeon. She came to the United Sates in 1950 and the couple was married in New York City. Upon the family’s arrival in Oklahoma City, Freede began her civic work on the boards of many organizations including the Oklahoma City Charity Horse Show, Allied Arts, Oklahoma City Republican Women’s Club, and served as president of the University of Oklahoma Mother’s Asssociation. Freede was also a member of such groups as the Downtown Oklahoma City YWCA and the Western Heritage Awards Committee and soon became known as “the million dollar volunteer.” Her outstanding work as a fundraiser and tireless philanthropist has made possible the Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center at Oklahoma City University and the Freede Theatre at the Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City. Freede received numerous awards and recognitions, including two honorary doctoral degrees.

Fun fact

Josephine Freede was a native of Plymouth, United Kingdom, and became a U.S. Citizen in 1954. Studying for her citizenship test sparked an interest in politics and civic work that remained with her throughout her life.

Oklahoma connections

Freede came to Oklahoma with her husband in 1950.

Hometown

Oklahoma City

Profession

Philanthropist

Presenter

Born

1927

Died

2020
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