LEOMINSTER — For more than four decades, Claire Freda has quietly devoted herself to making Leominster a better place to live, work and raise a family. This year, that lifetime of service was recognized when she was honored as a 2026 Commonwealth Heroine by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.
Nominated by state Rep. Natalie Higgins, D-Leominster, Freda was among women from across the commonwealth recognized at a ceremony at the Massachusetts State House for their extraordinary contributions to their communities. The annual Commonwealth Heroine Award celebrates women whose acts of service often take place behind the scenes, making a lasting impact without seeking recognition.
For those who know Freda, the honor comes as no surprise.
Her commitment to public service began more than 40 years ago when she was elected to the Leominster School Committee. She later represented Ward 3 on the City Council before being elected as an at-large city councilor.
Today, she continues to serve the city as at-large City Council president and is the longest-serving elected official in Leominster’s history.
Freda also made history as the first woman to serve as president of the Massachusetts Municipal Association in 2000. She continues to serve the association 25 years later. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for municipal government and for developing future community leaders across Massachusetts.
And her service extends well beyond City Hall.
She currently chairs the Mount Wachusett Community College Board of Trustees and has been a member of the Leominster Rotary Club for more than 25 years, serving as its president three times. Freda also served as president of the Corporate Board of Catholic Charities Worcester and has been a board member for 25 years. In addition, she chairs the Diocesan Review Board.
A proud Gold Star Wife, Freda is the widow of Vietnam War combat veteran Ron Freda. Advocating for veterans and their families for more than 50 years has been one of her highest priorities. She is the mother of Kelley and Anthony and grandmother to Patrick, who currently serves in the U.S. Coast Guard.
In her nomination, Higgins praised Freda’s unwavering resolve to help the city and region, noting that her decades of leadership have strengthened countless organizations and improved the lives of residents throughout Central Massachusetts.
“Claire has dedicated a life of service to the Leominster community for more than four decades,” Higgins said. “We are thankful for her commitment to our community and proud to nominate her.”
Freda said the recognition represents not only her own years of service but also the countless contributions women make every day to their families and communities.
“This recognition is important to me because it recognizes how much women give to their families and their communities,” Freda said. “I love what I do and enjoy helping someone, especially when they feel like no one will listen or they just need someone to point them in the right direction. I am appreciative of my family for always being there for me and to Representative Higgins for considering me for this honor.”
Freda was recognized during a ceremony at the Massachusetts State House, where she was joined by Higgins and members of her family and supporters. The Commonwealth Heroine Award honors women whose leadership and volunteerism often go unnoticed but whose contributions create meaningful and lasting change in their communities.
Throughout her career, Freda has become known for her thoughtful leadership, collaborative approach and unwavering commitment to public service. Whether leading city government, supporting higher education, strengthening nonprofit organizations or volunteering in the community, she has consistently focused on serving others.
The Commonwealth Heroine Award is a fitting tribute to a woman whose legacy has helped shape Leominster for generations and whose dedication continues to inspire future leaders.
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