Freda Mae Paige Hill

Freda Mae Paige Hill, a woman whose life was defined by compassion, strength, and unwavering love for her family and community, was born on February 22, 1937, at Harlem Hospital in Harlem, New York. She was the cherished daughter of Alfred and Mae Paige and was raised alongside her brothers, Alfred Jr. and Wilbert Paige, in a close-knit family rooted in love. She was also deeply connected to her grandparents, Walter and Elfreda Williams, who helped shape the values she carried throughout her life.

At the age of five, Freda moved with her family to the Bronx, where she spent her formative years. Those who knew her during that time remember her as kind-hearted, determined, and full of quiet strength. She pursued her passion for helping others by attending Helene Fuld College of Nursing in East Harlem, Manhattan, where she earned her nursing degree—marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to caring for others.

Freda went on to work as a nurse at the New York Infirmary in Manhattan, where she served her patients with deep compassion and professionalism. Her calling to nurture and heal was not simply a career but an extension of who she was. After moving to Brooklyn, she built lifelong friendships and embraced life fully, touching the lives of many with her warmth and genuine spirit.

In 1972, Freda met the love of her life, Michael Dennis Hill, in Queens, New York. Their union was one of deep devotion and partnership, and together they built a beautiful family. They were blessed with three daughters—Lori Paige McMitchell, Lisa Paige, and Mika Hill Washington—whom Freda loved and supported with all her heart.

In 1975, Freda and Michael moved to Mastic, Long Island, where they raised their daughters in a home filled with love, guidance, and care. During this time, Freda worked as a school nurse for the William Floyd School District. Over the course of her career, she cared for thousands of children, offering comfort, kindness, and reassurance to every child who walked through her door. She was widely admired and respected—not just for her professionalism, but for her gentle presence and the genuine concern she showed for every student. To many, she was more than a nurse—she was a source of safety and compassion.

After retiring in 2000, Freda continued to devote herself to her family. In 2002, she and Michael relocated to Huntsville, Alabama, to be closer to their daughters. There, she embraced a quieter life, surrounded by the people she loved most. Even in her later years, her warmth, wisdom, and nurturing spirit remained ever-present, leaving a lasting imprint on all who knew her.

Freda peacefully departed this life on June 19, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of love and care that will be cherished forever. She is survived by her devoted husband, Michael; her loving daughters, Lori, Lisa (Amy), and Mika (Carl II); her bonus son, Sidney; her cherished grandchildren, Ashlyn Paige, Michael Rios, and Shaolin Middleton; her treasured great-granddaughter, Analani Paige Martin; her nieces, Rosalyn Paige and Karyn Marquez; her nephew, Barry Paige (Loretta); and a host of extended family members and dear friends.

Freda was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Mae Paige; her beloved brothers, Alfred Paige Jr. and Wilbert Paige; her sister-in-law, Patsy Paige, wife of Alfred Paige Jr.; and her sister-in-law, Edwina Paige, wife of Wilbert Paige; her nephews, Alfred Paige III and Gary Paige, sons of Alfred Paige Jr and Bryan Paige, son of Wilbert Paige.

Freda Hill will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, a trusted caregiver, and a woman whose kindness knew no bounds. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched—with her gentle spirit, her caring heart, and the love she gave so freely.

A Tribute from Her Children
We, all her children, both by birth and by choice, are endlessly grateful for the life lessons our mother instilled in us and the unwavering support she gave us throughout our lives. She stood by us in every season—lifting us up even when we felt undeserving, guiding us with patience and wisdom, and loving us without condition or hesitation. Her love was abundant, steady, and deeply felt in everything she did. Because of her, we know what it means to care, to give, and to persevere. Her strength lives within us, and her love will continue to guide us every day.