Cathleen Freeman

Rutland - Cathleen Freeman, 65, of Black River, NY, passed away peacefully at home on August 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

A celebration of life will be held on August 30th from 1–5 p.m. at The Tug Hill Vineyards, 4051 Yancy Rd., Lowville, NY. All are welcome to come and share memories; guests may arrive any time during the celebration. The prayer service will be held at 2:30.

She was born to Donald and Elizabeth LaBarge on November 9, 1959, in Watertown, NY. Cathleen grew up in Copenhagen, NY, where she graduated from Copenhagen Central School in 1977. She later attended Howard G. Sackett Technical Center as an adult student, completing her training in Cosmetology, and earned a degree in Technical Education from Oswego State University.

For more than 25 years, Cathleen served as a Cosmetology Instructor at Howard G. Sackett Technical Center in Glenfield and Jeff-Lewis BOCES in Watertown. She found great joy in mentoring and inspiring hundreds of students, guiding them to pass their state licensing exams and preparing them for successful careers. In addition, Cathleen served as a New York State Board Examiner for the Cosmetology practical exam in Jefferson County, eventually becoming the Head Examiner. In this role, she oversaw the administration of practical exams, ensuring high standards and guiding aspiring cosmetologists toward licensure. Alongside teaching, Cathleen shared her passion for beauty and creativity through her own home salon, where she welcomed friends and clients for over 30 years.

In 1977, Cathleen married her high school sweetheart, Gerald Freeman. Together, they shared 48 years of marriage, raising a family, and creating a lifetime of memories side by side. They were blessed with two children, Yvonne (Dan) Monti and Christopher (Erica) Freeman, with whom Cathleen shared countless special times together. She deeply valued her children and cherished their spouses, celebrating the family they created together. A devoted grandmother, she found immense joy in her four grandchildren, Daniel and Delaney Monti, and Cole and Masen Freeman, who were her pride and joy. She treasured every moment spent watching them pursue their activities and celebrating their accomplishments.

Cathleen loved her home and took great pride in decorating inside and out. Summer was her favorite season, when she could sit in the sunshine and spend time tending her gardens. Her happiest moments were spent with friends and family, taking rides with her husband in their side-by-side, listening to live music and shows, shopping, dining out, traveling, or attending ‘wine down’ gatherings. She will be remembered for her impeccable sense of fashion, her vibrant flower gardens, and her spirited personality.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Gerald; her children, Yvonne (Dan) Monti and Christopher (Erica) Freeman; her grandchildren, Daniel and Delaney Monti, and Cole and Masen Freeman; her siblings, Jerry (Penny) LaBarge, Patrick (Vicky) LaBarge, Mary (John) Astafan, Peggy (Lynn) Murray, Jim (Bonnie) LaBarge, Jackie (Dave) Burt, and Frances (Jill) LaBarge; as well as many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents, Donald and Elizabeth LaBarge; her siblings and their spouses AnnMarie (Joe) Wagner, Thomas (Nancy) LaBarge, and Danny (Barb) LaBarge; her husband’s parents Herbert and Shirley Freeman; and her niece and nephews Melissa Freeman, Joesph LaBarge, Ryan LaBarge, Collin Hess, and great-nephew Alex Hermanson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to The Walker Cancer Center, Radiation Oncology, 830 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601.

Arrangements are with the Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc. located at 500 State Street Carthage, NY 13619. Online condolences in her memory can be made to www.lundyfuneralhome.com