Winifred (Freeda) C. Heavey of West Palm Beach, FL, joined her beloved Savior and departed family members on August 29, 2025 . Miss Heavey was born in Loughrea, Co. Galway, Ireland, to Thomas John and Mary (Bell) Heavey. She inherited her father’s tall stature along with his mischievous streak, and from her mother, she gained her deep blue eyes and fierce ambition.

She graduated from St. Raphael’s College in her hometown and began working as a grade school teacher to children from the surrounding villages and farms. Freeda was known to knit caps and gloves for students who walked to school in the cold weather as she sat at her desk.

She and her sister, Maureen, came to America in 1958, sailing into New York Harbor. She eventually began employment at CBS (Columbia Broadcasting Network) working the switchboard. By way of her hard work, determination, and keen intelligence, Freeda worked her way up in the company, becoming the first female executive in CBS history. She held the title of Vice President of Sales for many years selling time to advertisers for daily programming as well as mega events such as the Super Bowl and the Country Music Awards. She was named Woman of the year by the YWCA Academy of Women Achievers in 1980 for breaking this glass ceiling. After retirement she lived between NYC and Palm Beach, eventually settling into her home in West Palm Beach. She was lovingly cared for by her home health aid, Latchmin Jaramillo, and her devoted niece, Alice DePaoli, visited her often while caring for her affairs.

Freeda has been reunited with her parents and her siblings: Albertha Costello (Patrick ), Mary (Maureen) Griffin (James), Sr. Mary Christina Heavey OSC, and her only brother, Thomas C. Heavey (Emer). She leaves behind 2 sisters, Sr. Thomas Marie Heavey SA, and Colette Heavey. Also remaining, many nieces and nephews who hold love and admiration for her many accomplishments.

The oldest of 7 children, Freeda was fiercely devoted to her family and extremely proud of both her native Ireland and her American citizenship.

As a breast cancer survivor, Freeda gave back by volunteering at her local hospital for many years.

She loved horse racing (like her mother), music (especially Frank Sinatra), fine dining, and her nip of Teacher’s scotch. Miss Heavey was known as a classy lady who could ‘hold her own’ in any circumstance, having a quick wit and the Irish gift of storytelling. A woman of great Catholic faith, she enjoyed fellowshipping at her local parish.

Services will be held at Lourdes Noreen McKeen on Sept. 11th at 11am.