Patricia A. Freestone

EAST BERNE - Patricia A. Freestone, 71, passed away peacefully, on Monday, August 29, 2011, at the Hospice Inn at St. Peters Hospital. She was born in Madison, Wisconsin to the late Frank and Irene (Rowinski) Dempsey.
Patricia retired from the NYS Dept. of Social Services. Prior employment was with the Departments of Labor in New York and Wisconsin. Patricia's greatest joy was spending time with family. Pat founded the championship winning CapitolAires, an all female Drum and Bugle Corps, based on her conviction that the girls could compete successfully against the male dominated corps at the time. She developed a complete family history for her husband and began working on her own family tree. Pat's original and personalized birthday and anniversary cards were treasured by family and friends. She was an accomplished accordion player and teacher; performing in competitions in Chicago and Madison, WI. Pat also played alto clarinet and tenor sax. Her homes in New York and Sun Lakes, AZ revealed her interest in trains, lighthouses, and clowns.
She is survived by husband, Roger Freestone; sons, Dean (Mary) Barkenhagen, Jay (Jacqueline) Barkenhagen, Robin (Kristin) Barkenhagen, Alan (Dianne) Freestone, Eric (Lyne) Freestone; daughters Bobette (Mark) Perrin and Cheryl (Paul) Dunkelbarger; 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday at 9:30 am at Ballston Spa Village Cemetery, Ballston Spa. Calling hours will be Thursday from 4:00-8:00 pm at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd, Colonie.
A celebration of her life will be held at Altamont Reformed Church, 129 Lincoln Ave., Altamont, NY, on Sunday, September 4th at 2:00 pm followed by a reception in the church hall.
Memorial gifts may be made to Altamont Reformed Church, The Albany County Hospice, or the American Cancer Society.