FREEPORT – Gerda “Ma” Preble, 87, of Rumford Center, died Wednesday, Nov. 8, at the Hawthorne House.

She was born in Fitchburg, Mass., on Sept. 1, 1919, the daughter of Adolph and Girda (Hoejenan) Johnson. She graduated from Leominster High School, Class of 1937, and Posse Institute of Health & Physical Education in Kendall Green, Weston, Mass., Class 1940.

For many years she served as a substitute teacher in the Rumford school system and was very active as the tennis coach for the Girls’ varsity tennis and director of the Rumford summer tennis program. She was active in the adult exercise and volleyball programs, and directed the social dances at the Mechanics Institute.

She was a Girl Scout leader and was active in the Rumford Center Community including the Literary Club, Willing Workers Society and served as treasurer of the Improvement Society.

She was a member of the Rumford Center Methodist Church for many years and served as a church trustee. As an avid gardener, she planted and cared for the flowers along the church walkway.

She was married in Leominster, Mass., on June 25, 1943, to Melvin J. E. Preble who survives of Rumford Center. Other survivors include a son, John Preble, and wife, Deborah, of Yarmouth; two daughters, Marsha Hanson, and husband, Peter, of Poway, Calif. and Jane Preble of Ellicot City, Md.; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.