Founder of popular Sleaford business dies

In a statement, they said that Freda was an integral part of Elite and originally started the company with her husband in 1972 in West Yorkshire. The family firm later moved to Lincolnshire where they expanded to three restaurants and four takeaways which is now overseen by Freda’s son Adrian, his wife Donna and Freda’s granddaughter Rachel.

Freda is survived by her husband David, three sons Adrian, Simon and Stuart, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Adrian said: “My mother was an inspiration and was an incredibly dedicated woman. We wouldn’t be where we are today as a company without her hard work. I often say that if I had 30 of her around, I wouldn’t have needed my 60 staff.

“She will be greatly missed by family and friends alike as well as those who got to know her through the trade and her work with the National Federation of Fish Fryers.”

The family have thanked friends and suppliers for the touching messages received so far following news of her death.