Mary Barton Freeman of Hopkinton, New Hampshire, died on May 11 while traveling on the Isle of Wight, Great Britain. The cause of death was complications from cancer, which she had battled since 2012.
She was born July 12, 1949, in Wooster, Ohio, to Dr. Richard R. and Joanna (Watson) Barton, who predeceased her. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Hood College in Maryland and a master’s in library science from Villanova University. She had a long career in the telecommunications industry, beginning as a research librarian at Western Electric and continuing with AT&T before becoming engaged in competitive analysis for AT&T, Bell Atlantic and Verizon. She was active in a number of trade organizations and for many years anchored the GEIA team that did an annual forecast of the government telecommunications market. She was a former board member of the Bronxville library; served on the Consistory of the Reformed Church of Bronxville; and remained active in volunteer service while living in London and Hopkinton. She was a member of the London chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She has been described as “a great mother, a good friend, a sterling character with a wicked sense of humor, a role model, and a sweetheart,” survivors said.
She loved travel and was always eager to experience new destinations. In 1974 she flew with her husband from the United States to Europe in a single-engine plane. Over the next 40 years, she visited nearly 100 countries, including such exotic destinations as the Khyber Pass and Karakoram mountains in Pakistan. She was happiest, though, when with family and on the beach in Sagaponack, where her family have been long-term residents. She will be buried at the cemetery there in a private ceremony.
Ms. Freeman enjoyed cooking and needlework. While living in London, she attended the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace and completed her certificate “with distinction.” Over the years, she designed and created numerous works. Her Christmas ornaments were treasured holiday gifts.
She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Varel; her children, Thomas and wife Katie, William and wife Beth, and Joanna; and her sister, Elizabeth Barton.
Memorial services are pending.
Memorial donations may be made to the Mary Freeman Scholarship Fund of the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, http://tiny.cc/maryfreeman-ulman, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. The scholarship fund being established in her memory will provide financial support for education to young adults who are battling cancer or whose parents are victims of cancer.
on May 25, 2015