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Roni Jo Freer

Apr 21, 2014

Roni Jo Freer. PHOTO PROVIDED.

Roni Jo Freer, 74, passed away peacefully at The Lodge at Cypress Cove on Sunday, April 6, 2014.

Born in Harrisville, Mich., she was a long-time resident of Sanibel Island, Fla., and ambassador for this “paradise,” an active volunteer for F.I.S.H. of Sanibel, BIG ARTS, the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, and various breast cancer support groups here and in Fort Myers, Fla. She was also a strong supporter of the Sanibel Public Library, Sanibel Historical Society, and the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Her team always did the annual Breast Cancer Walk with great gusto.

A professor emeritus of Business at Orange County Community College (within the State University of New York system), Roni was an educational leader in her field, developing the college’s Records Management Program and brining some of the first computer technology into the business programs. She earned degrees from Central Michigan University (B.S.) and Western Michigan University (M.S.), and did post-graduate work at various universities. She traveled across the world, especially loved Australia and Alaska, and visited Greece, Prague, Spain, England and Italy.

She is survived by a host of loved nieces and nephews, including Kim and Joyce Ross, (1309 Cambridge Dr., Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001), with whom she was especially close. Her parents, two brothers and two sisters preceded her in death.

A Celebration of Roni’s life was held at the Sanibel Community Center on April 15. Cremation services were private. Contributions in her memory may be made to F.I.S.H. of Sanibel, Hope Hospice, or Partners for Breast Cancer Care in Fort Myers.