Larissa Anne Freude-Newman

Larissa Anne Freude-Newman (June 15, 1981-January 14, 2022) passed away in Miami FL after valiantly battling health complications for many years. Her loving husband, David Newman, was by her side.

Larissa was born to Rev. Fr. Don and Donna (Drakage) Freude in Johnston PA. She was baptized at St. Michael Orthodox Church in Portage, PA on July 25, 1981 by His Grace Bishop Kyrill. In 1983 the Freude family moved to Akron OH where her father became Rector of St. Elia Orthodox Church.

During her too-brief 40 years, Larissa accomplished so much. At the age of five Larissa began to study dance at the University of Akron Dance Institute. At the age of sixteen Larissa began her professional dance career of ten years with Ohio Ballet under the direction of Heinz Poll. She was a graduate of Coventry High School in 1999. Following her professional dance career, she completed the Bryant & Stratton College ADA Nursing program and worked as a Registered Nurse at the Cleveland Clinic Marymount Hospital Emergency Department for three years until she was forced to retire due to her health. She also worked at Frank's Place and the Spa at Yellow Creek between careers. Larissa and David were married on May 26, 2019, at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church and moved to Deerfield Beach, FL. Together, they built a life of wonderful memories, never missing an opportunity to celebrate their love. Even during her worst days, Larissa's infectious smile and unrelenting spirit that we all love her for never left. Larissa was beautiful inside and out. She was talented, smart, caring, and fun. She was a wife, daughter, sister, aunt, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, and friend to many who will forever miss her warmth, good humor, and the support she offered so freely to all she loved. She was a blessing, and we are thankful she was in our lives.

She was preceded in death by grandparents Anthony J. and Conziglia (DiPerna) Freude and Eli and Helen (Hudak) Drakage; Uncle James Drakage; her father-in-law Isadore Newman; and Godfather Very Rev. Raphael Biernacki. She is survived by husband David Oscar Newman, PhD., parents Mitered Archpriest Don Anthony and Donna Freude; brother Lt. Colonel Anthony (Anya Evancho) Freude and their children Luke, Anthony, Leo, and Eve; and her 'loving little' sister Juliana Freude; Godmother Kathleen Biernacki; mother-in-law Carole Newman; brother-in-law Matthew Newman; Uncle Mark (Karen) Drakage and their children Neal and (Lynae) Drakage and Emily and (Michael) Merletto and their daughter Mia; Aunt Mary Drakage and her daughters Colleen Drakage, Kathleen (Jeff) Draeger.

Calling hours at the Anthony Funeral Home 1990 South Main St. Akron, OH 44301, Wednesday, January 26, 2022, from 5 pm to 7 pm followed by the Panakhida for the repose of the soul of the newly departed handmaid of God Larissa Anne. Funeral at St. Elia Orthodox Church 64 West Wilbeth Rd., Akron, OH 44301 on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 9:30 am with Archbishop Alexander officiating, followed by Burial at St. Nicholas Orthodox Cemetery 1616 Krumroy Rd., Akron, OH.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Larissa's memory to: St. Elia Orthodox Church Akron, OH (saintelia.com) or to Philoxenia Charities, outreach ministries of Saints Cosmas and Damion Greek Orthodox Church (Rochester, MN) a 501©3 non-profit organization, which provides free of charge temporary housing to individuals and families seeking medical treatment while at Mayo Clinic. (  https://www.philoxeniacharities.org) 
 
 MAY  LARISSA'S MEMORY BE ETERNAL!