Obituary of Alva Fredlund

Alva M. Fredlund Sidney, NY Alva M. Fredlund, 90, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2009, at the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford. She was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Fred; sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Ed Murray; and brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Arlene Cleven. Alva is survived by her two daughters, Diane and Peter Gaimaro, Valley Stream, and Denise and Paul VanSteenburg, Dandridge, Tenn.; grandchildren, Christopher and Brandi Araujo, Jason and Charity Parry, Nicole and Tony Cilento, Maureen and Brian Schaefer, Elyse and Eric Rivera, Eric VanSteenburg and Carl VanSteenburg; and her precious great-grandchildren, Christian, Dylan, Taylor, Justin, Kaitlyn, Ryan, Anjela, Eva, Marionna and Madison. She leaves behind a sister-in-law, Muriel Meyer of Freeport; and several nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. Alva was born Oct. 30, 1918, to Thomas and Gerda (Benson) Cleven. She lived on Long Island until 1983, when she and Fred moved to Sidney. Alva was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church, Sidney. She was a member of the United Methodist Women, Dorcas Class and always enjoyed helping with the annual bazaar and peanut brittle fundraisers. Alva loved spending time at Gilbert Lake State Park with her family. She also enjoyed crocheting, crafts, baking and talking with anyone who would lend an ear. Alva's family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff of the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford for their respect and compassion during her stay. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2009, in the Prospect Hill Cemetery, East Main Street, Sidney, with the Rev. Dr. Barbara Green officiating. Memorial contributions in Alva's name may be made to the United Methodist Church, 12 Liberty St., Sidney, NY 13838 or to the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements for the family are being directed by the wonderful staff at C.H. Landers.