Obituary: Frieda Saemann, 75, Of Greenwich

Information via Fred D Knapp & Son Funeral Home

Frieda P. Saemann, age 75, was called Home to Our Heavenly Father peacefully while at her residence in The Mews on February 10, 2021.

Born Frida Pauline Emma Traub in Germany, she came to America as a very young girl, and was the adopted and only child of her loving Aunt and Uncle, Elsa and Karl Saemann, by whom she is predeceased. She is also predeceased by her birth parents in Germany, Wilhelm and Louise Traub, and siblings, Irmgard Traub - Germany, and Lina Schmaelzle - United States (Ralph, deceased). She is survived by her sibling in Germany, Wilhelm Traub (Lieselotte), their children, Stephanie Winter (Andreas) and Karlheinz Traub (Petra) and family, as well as Lina's children here in the US, Barbara Olsen (Kevin) and Elizabeth Keller (John), and both of their children and families. She additionally leaves behind her God Daughter, Kathy Berry (Tim) and family, along with many dear friends who likewise she considers to be family, as they do her.

Frieda often spoke of the challenges of not speaking a word of English upon her beginning attendance at Julian Curtiss Elementary School. She overcame that language barrier, developing a love for good conversation in either German or English. She spent many years babysitting for special families in back country Greenwich where she grew up, remaining very close to those she had cared for.

Frieda graduated from Greenwich High School (now physically Greenwich Town Hall) and became a professional legal secretary at Badger, Fisher, Cohen & Barnett, where she met and further expanded her chosen family with a number of dear, lifelong friends. She remained at the firm until its closing, eventually and most gratefully, joining the Law Office of Kaye and Hennessey for the remainder of her professional career.

Frieda took special pride in working with the real estate section of the firm, and likewise held great esteem for her employers and coworkers.

Throughout her life, Frieda loved the beach. She travelled to some of the world’s most beautiful ones, but she loved none more than Greenwich Point. Greenwich Point was not just a place to go, it was where she lived as many hours as possible when not working, no matter the weather or season. She had her ‘spot’ and even developed relationships with other regulars at The Point.

Frieda was an avid reader and devotee of the hand written note. She greatly enjoyed regular lap swims at the YWCA and being an active member of the First Congregational Church in Old Greenwich. She was a huge fan of the Rolling Stones, particularly Keith Richards, and enjoyed going to the movies and borrowing dvd’s from the library. She delighted in many a lunch or dinner out with her family and friends. She watched Jeopardy every night and insisted on spending time out in the fresh air each day.

She was an encyclopedia of Greenwich property history, and greatly enjoyed being a part of the Greenwich community. She was known and cared for by all who were lucky enough to have her as a neighbor in her beloved Riverside, where she resided her entire adult life prior to joining The Mews community. She was often the ‘go to’ for house and pet watching, as well as rides to and from the train station. Her affections extended to her pet neighbors, who all knew they would find a treat when visiting Frieda.

As someone who greatly appreciated the love and companionship offered by her furry friends, she deeply cherished her own pet family members of the past, Maxine and Mick, and lastly Barney, who often accompanied her to work at Kaye and Hennessey. Those who were blessed to be a part of Frieda’s world, which included many branches of family, chosen extended family, and adored friends, understand how deeply she and her most endearing, one-of-a-kind ways will be missed. She was a large part of the daily lives and phone calls of those closest to her.

Sadly, due to the current COVID restrictions, we are unable to hold a service to honor her life at this time. We kindly ask that those wishing to remember her watch for future communications, and in lieu of flowers, please send donations in her Memory to Adopt a Dog of Greenwich, an organization that was very special to her, at 23 Cox Avenue, Armonk, NY 10504 or online at adopt-a-dog.org.

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