Allison Freel
Allison Ann Freel, cherished daughter, sister, friend, cat mom, spouse, and life partner, passed away peacefully at her Seattle home on May 25, 2022, after a courageous six-month battle with brain cancer. She was 36 years old.
Allison is survived by her husband, Christopher Irle; parents Jeff and Nolita Freel; siblings Leah Freel, Joy Tischer, Jace Tischer (Richelle), and Michael Southern (Davia); paternal grandmother Sally Freel; maternal grandfather Robert Harrell; uncles/aunts Cathy Branscome (Glenn), Janet Todd (Walter) and Jay Harrell; cousins Doug Branscome (Brandie), Debra Roberts (Kyle), Megan Deig (Nathan), Matt Todd, Marrisa Gatman (Austin) Erin Bair (Lindsey Bland), and Kevin Bair; and feline friend Sydney. Allison was predeceased by her mother Karen (Harrell) Freel; maternal grandmother Geneva Harrell; paternal grandfather William Freel; and maternal aunt Anita (Harrell) Bair.
She was born in Lafayette, Indiana, on December 11, 1985, to Jeff and Karen Freel. After graduating with honors from Lafayette Jefferson High School in 2004, she attended Bradley University. There, she sang in the Bradley Chorale under the direction of Dr. John Jost and was also a member of Sigma Alpha Iota Women’s Music Fraternity. Allison would graduate in 2008 with a degree in Music Teacher Education. She would then teach music to K-5 students at Danville School District 119 in Illinois. She continued her passion for education upon moving to Seattle, Washington, in 2014, where she would tirelessly dedicate herself to the students and parents of Seattle Country Day School as Operations Manager.
Allison had many passions throughout her life, and music was chief among them. She sang in the Lafayette Jefferson High School Varsity Singers, the Bach Chorale Youth Singers, and Lafayette Bach Chorale Singers. She took immense pride in introducing her students to music through the recorder while teaching at Danville. Upon moving to Seattle, she would sing with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Parish Choir and Seattle Pro Musica. She loved attending live music shows, and among her favorite artists were Joni Mitchell, the Fruit Bats, Andrew Bird, The Mountain Goats, and John Vanderslice.
Her other hobbies included reading and knitting. Allison was an avid knitter! She made scarves, sweaters, shawls, cowls, and socks (always careful to avoid second sock syndrome!). She leaves behind an impressive collection of myriad colors and patterns. Her favorite literary genre was historical fiction. She also enjoyed biographies about strong, independent women.
Allison lived her life selflessly and sprinkled gratitude everywhere she went. She was a passionate supporter of various social justice movements, including Black Lives Matter, Mary’s Place of Seattle, women’s reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. She also loved animals and volunteered at Seattle Humane Society, supported Purrfect Pals, Seattle Area Feline Rescue, and South County Cats. Despite facing a daunting diagnosis, Allison never forgot about those less fortunate and was always mindful of her privilege. She was grateful for her access to healthcare and the love she received from her immense support system.
A Laying-In ceremony will be held on Friday, July 22, 2022 at 10am.
