Freddie Mae Pentak, age 86, of Houston, Texas passed away on February 17, 2017 in McKinney, Texas. The fourth-generation Texan was born on May 4, 1930 in Spring, Texas to Lena Elizabeth Sims and Fred H. Selman. Freddie was the salutatorian of her graduating class from Magnolia High School. She had been married to Benton Budde for four years when he died in a construction accident, leaving behind Freddie and their daughter Elizabeth.
On March 8, 1957, Freddie married Lt. William Ferguson Pentak in Houston, Texas. On March 8 of this year, Bill and Freddie would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
Freddie was the first female banking officer in the state of Texas and became the Assistant Director of the Cecil B. Lee Charm and Modeling Agency of Houston. A vibrant blue-eyed brunette, Freddie became the television spokesperson and “face” of Texas State Optical (TSO). She brought elegance to any style show. More importantly, she was a passionate teacher and mentor for underprivileged girls and women — helping them learn wardrobe, makeup techniques and business etiquette to help them excel in their careers.
Freddie is survived by her husband, William Ferguson Pentak; daughter, Elizabeth Averill and her husband, Jerry; son, William Fredrick Pentak and his wife, Jodie; two grandchildren, Marshall William Pentak and Anna Lee Pentak; sister, Mary Dee Pederson; sister-in-law, Billie Pentak Brewer; eight nieces and nephews; Douglas Selman, Mike Selman, T.C. Selman, Prissy Stewart, Vicki Dee Damuth, Zeke Damuth, DeeAnn Pederson and Karl Pederson.
Freddie is preceded in death by her parents, Lena and Fred Selman; first husband Benton Budde, brother, T.C. Selman and his wife, Mildred; sister, Doris Damuth and her husband, M.E.; brothers-in-law, Karl Pederson and Mel Brewer.
The family wishes to thank the staff and caregivers at Grand Brook Memory Care of McKinney, Texas for their love and constant care of Freddie. We are also truly grateful for the grace, love and wisdom of Anchor Hospice personnel as they ministered to Freddie and her family as she exited this earthy life and entered into the presence of Her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
A Graveside Service will be held at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale, Houston, Texas 77223, on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at 1:00 PM with Rev. Dr. Gary Miller officiating.
Rather than flowers, the family invites donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, www.alzfdn.org, in Freddie’s honor.