In Memory of JudyAnne H. Freiberger

Obituary

JudyAnne H. Freiberger, 81, of New Hartford, NY, passed away peacefully on May 12th, 2026, at the Wynn Hospital, surrounded by her loving family, and went home to be with the Lord.

Born at St. Luke’s Hospital in Utica, JudyAnne lived a life devoted to faith and family. To her children, grandchildren, and all who knew her, she was the heart of the family, a source of strength, comfort, wisdom, and unconditional love. Her family loved her deeply, and her loss leaves an emptiness that words cannot fully express.

JudyAnne was born to the late Lynn and Leona Hammon and was raised on her family’s farm in Marcy alongside her four siblings. She was predeceased by her sisters, Linda, Hazel, and Betsy. Growing up on the farm shaped the values that defined her life: hard work, humbleness, faith, kindness, and devotion to family. She later earned her Associate’s Degree from the Utica School of Commerce. Before retiring, she worked as the Office Manager for Dr. Michael Adornato, DDS, where she was known for her kindness, professionalism, and dedication.

One of the most cherished stories of JudyAnne’s life began on her very first date with the love of her life, William J. Freiberger III. When Bill arrived at her family’s ranch-style farmhouse in Marcy for their first date, he confidently walked to the front door, only for JudyAnne to quickly shut it in his face and say, “We don’t use the front door here.” Unsure of what to do next, Bill made his way around to the rear of the house, where a circular driveway separated the farmhouse from the barn. In true farm family fashion, the back door was the heart of the home and the entrance everyone used. To make the moment even more memorable, JudyAnne had already made it clear she did not want him arriving in a truck, only to discover that Bill had shown up in a Ranchero, close enough to a truck to become a story they lovingly laughed about for the next 56 years.

JudyAnne married Bill on September 27th, 1969, beginning a storybook marriage grounded in unwavering faith, deep partnership, devotion, and enduring love. Together they shared over 56 wonderful years, building a life centered on family, cherished traditions, and the joy of simply being side by side. To honor the vows that guided their lives and the way they loved one another more deeply with each passing year, they married each other two more times, celebrating their 25th and 50th anniversaries by renewing the promises that had always bound them together. Bill and JudyAnne often spoke lovingly of their private hope to someday celebrate “62 to 75 years together,” a reflection of the extraordinary bond they shared.

JudyAnne was the devoted and proud mother of four loving and successful children: Dr. Eric J. Freiberger and his wife, Sherri; Brian C. Freiberger and his wife, Gina; Jason Freiberger and his wife, Rachel; and Heather L. Sloma and her husband, Eric. She was also the cherished “Nana” to her ten beloved grandchildren: Sarah, Kate, twins Madison and Morgan, William, Isabella, Samuel, Cayley, Caiden, and Mia. Nothing brought her greater joy than having her family together, especially watching her grandchildren laugh, play, and swim in the pool as the home and backyard filled with joy.

Through the beautiful life and loving marriage that JudyAnne and Bill built together, they created a family deeply rooted in family values, closeness, tradition, and togetherness. As their children grew older and eventually had families of their own, JudyAnne and Bill remained devoted to keeping those traditions alive and creating lasting memories for every generation. They eagerly hosted Easter dinners and Easter egg hunts that became cherished family traditions. On Halloween, JudyAnne and Bill always made sure each grandchild had their own special bag of candy waiting for them. Christmas mornings at the Freiberger home were filled with laughter, love, and togetherness, beginning with breakfast and continuing throughout the day as family gathered for dinner, stories, opening gifts and time spent together. Those moments became some of the family’s most treasured memories and reflected the warmth, love, and strong family bond that JudyAnne and Bill dedicated their lives to creating.

JudyAnne and Bill cherished time spent camping and traveling with their family. What began with trips in a pop-up camper grew into many adventures in travel trailers over the years. Their love for the Adirondacks, camping, and the outdoors became a cherished tradition passed down to their children and grandchildren. In retirement, they continued exploring together after purchasing an RV, spending many happy years traveling and making cherished memories along the way.

Approximately eight years ago, JudyAnne was diagnosed with cancer, a challenge she faced with remarkable courage, grace, and strength. She became a proud cancer survivor whose resilience inspired all who knew her. A woman of deep and unwavering faith, JudyAnne was a devoted member of The New Hartford Presbyterian Church in the Village of New Hartford, where her faith remained a constant source of strength, comfort, and guidance.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and physicians at Wynn Hospital for the extraordinary compassion, kindness, and gentle care they provided to JudyAnne. Their comfort, support, and dedication meant so much to JudyAnne and to her family during a very difficult time.

JudyAnne will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, gentle spirit, and the deep love she shared with her children, grandchildren, and entire family. Though her family is heartbroken by this tremendous loss, they find comfort in the memories she gave them, the faith she lived by, and the love that will forever remain in their hearts. Her beautiful legacy will continue through her beloved husband, children, grandchildren, family, and all who were blessed to know her.

Beloved Wife, Mom and Nana, your love, strength, and gentle presence will be deeply missed and forever cherished. We love you always and will carry you in our hearts every day.

“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.”

There are no calling hours.  Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In memory of JudyAnne, the family suggests donations to the Shriners or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Online messages of sympathy may be left at: www.fwefh.com

Arrangements are in the care of Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and  Cremation Services, New Hartford.