Freda Karalekas, 89, Led Active Life in Falmouth

Freda (Ellis) Karalekas of Falmouth died Oct. 29 at the Cape Cod Hospital after a brief illness. She was 89.

She was the wife of John T. Karalekas and the daughter of the late Nathan S. and Alexina (Hunter) Ellis. Mrs. Karalekis is the eighth generation of the Ellis/Pierce family that spans back to the 1700s on Cape Cod. She was a lifetime resident of Falmouth and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1932.

She worked in many capacities in Falmouth, starting in high school as an usherette at the Elizabeth Theatre in Falmouth. As an adult, she worked for the rationing board during World War II and later was successful in real estate.

She was on the board of directors of the Falmouth Historical Society and always enjoyed being in charge of the traditional Christmas teas. She was also proud of being a 60-year member of the Falmouth Garden Club. Mr. Karalekas was active in the Falmouth Theatre Guild and enjoyed various colorful roles. Her performances would usually bring down the house. She was a colorful and fun-loving woman who was known for her large array of hats and whose persona caused things to happen.

She is survived by her husband and three daughters, Gail Gale of Charlotte, N.C., Linda Badoian of Sharon, and Holly Karalekas of Falmouth; two sons, Teddy and John Karalekas of West Tisbury; 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and her brother, Nathan S. Ellis 3rd of Falmouth.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, 584 West Falmouth Highway, Route 28A, West Falmouth. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at Saint Barnabas Memorial Church, Falmouth with interment to follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Falmouth. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. Karalekas' memory may be made to St. Barnabas Memorial Churches Memorial Garden.