Lina C. Fredricey

  Lina C. Fredricey, 98, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at Plum Creek Healthcare Community in Lexington.   Lina was born November 22, 1919, in San Miniato, Italy, to Giuseppe and Luigia (Marchi) Matteucci.  She attended school in San Miniato where she learned to be a beautiful seamstress.  She made and designed wedding gowns, ball gowns, and could sew anything that was asked of her.   She met a young American soldier during WWII, Delmer Fredricey, whom she fell madly in love with.  Her brother Paolo, who was the head of the family by then, would not give them permission to marry until Delmer had a home ready for her in the United States.  After the war ended, Delmer went back to the United States and worked to acquire a suitable home for his bride. He returned months later to Italy and married Lina.  They were wed February 13, 1947, in San Miniato, Italy.  She moved with her husband to Nebraska and three daughters were blessed to this union; Patricia, Maria, and Elizabeth. Lina loved being a mother and homemaker. She sewed all of the girls’ clothes and made each of their wedding gowns as well.   The family made their home in North Platte, Nebraska where Delmer spent 33 years with the Union Pacific Railroad.  Lina took in sewing. She did alterations and made clothes for many North Platte residents. After retirement, they moved to Lexington to be closer to their daughters.  Lina not only sewed, but did beautiful embroidery work.  She embroidered many altar cloths for the church, one of which will be displayed the day of her Mass.    She was a devout Catholic and faithful to her beloved church, St. Ann’s. She also enjoyed growing beautiful flowers, baking pies, visiting with family in Italy, and being with her loving family. Lina was a beautiful woman, with a heart of pure gold.  She will be so very missed.   She is survived by two daughters, Patricia (Joe) Medrano of North Platte, Nebraska, and Elizabeth (Robert) Waterman of Lexington, Nebraska; seven grandchildren; Amy Divine, Anna Weddel Molina, Paula Weddel Peterson, Joseph Waterman, David Waterman, Christopher Weddel, and Kayla Thagard; twelve great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Anesha, P.J., Brayden, Logan, Bryon III, Karleigh, Miguel, Nila, Bella, Via and Cecilia; one great-great-granddaughter, Cecelia; son-in-law, Gary Weddel of Wayne, Nebraska; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.   Preceding Lina in death were her parents; husband, Delmer; daughter, Maria; infant son, John Joseph; grandson-in-law, J.R. Divine; two brothers, Paolo and Antonio; and one sister, Anna.   Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington with Reverends Matt Koperski and Jorge Canela concelebrating.   Visitation will be held Monday, March 5, 2018, from 5-7 p.m. with Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington.   Interment will be in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery Maxwell, Nebraska at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday March 6, 2018.   Memorials are suggested to St. Ann’s Catholic Church.   Reynolds-Love Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.  Please send online condolences to the family by visiting: www.reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.