Diane Freego
Canton-
Diane M. Freego, 76, of Stiles Road, Canton died Monday, August 18, 2025 at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg.
A Memorial Service is planned for Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Lawrence Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Canton. A private family burial will be held the next day in Beech Plains Cemetery in the Town of Pierrepont.
Diane was born November 23, 1948 in Potsdam, NY. She was a daughter of the late Harlold J. and Isabel F. (Ladison) Cota and graduated from the class of 1966 at Canton High School where she proceeded to gain training for secretarial administration at a technology school in Rochester.
Diane spent 42 years with NYSARC in Norwood, NY providing individual support and client management where she developed so many wonderful client friends. While working side-by-side at NYSARC with her daughter, Susan Gibbons, they volunteered to develop wonderful programs that supported the clients and provided love and friendship.
On December 13, 1969 she married the late John F. Freego. The couple were married 53 years and raised a daughter Susan (Freego) Gibbons.
Surviving are her grandson Ethan Gibbons of Canton, NY; son-in-law Scott Gibbons of Canton, NY; and four siblings, Leroy (Karen) Cota of St. Jones, OK, Pamela (Raymond) Smithers of DePere, WI, Keith (Patricia) Cota of Epsom, NH and Kevin (Patricia) Cota of Canton, NY.
She was predeceased by her daughter Susan Freego Gibbons (2020); husband John (2022); and two sisters Roxanne McGregor (1973) and Linda Cohen (2020).
Diane was a member of Potsdam AMVETS Post #282 serving as Secretary and on the Auxiliary Fund Raising Committee. She also enjoyed Line Dancing, taking care of her furry cats and attending hockey games with her grandson. She was instrumental in working with the Potsdam Humane Society in the creation of the “Cattery” in honor of her daughter Susan’s name.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 between the hours of 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM at the AMVETS Post #282 located at 6771 US 11, Potsdam, NY where family and friends can meet to share life stories.
Memorial contributions are suggested to AMVETS Post #282 or to Potsdam Humane Society “Cattery”.
Tributes, photos and memories may be shared by visiting www.lawrencefuneralhome.org