Donna L. Freeland
1951 - 2020
Donna L. Freeland of Bloomingburg, NY passed away at the age of 68 years. Donna was born to Wallace Donald and Lois Elaine Freeland on July 12, 1951. She grew up in Yorktown, NY with her brothers Wally, Chuck, and sister Lillian. She was very involved with the Girl Scouts and loved playing her guitar. She attended college in Cortland. Later she owned a Dairy Mart for many years with her partner Linda Fusiak. She recently worked as a courier and as a driver then dispatcher for Joy Medical Transportation in Middletown, NY. Her other interests including the NYSCBS, ceramics, woodworking and photography. Much of her work was displayed at Craft shows. She was also an avid New York Yankees fan. Donna has had a difficult health history and has been struggling for many years. Covid-19 finally complicated her health enough that it brings us to our final farewell with great love and fondness. There was no funeral due to the pandemic restrictions and limit of social gathering. Perhaps there will something when the pandemic is over.
Donna was a long time member of the New York State Covered Bridge Society and became President of the Society after Dick Wilson (previous President) resigned at the November 2006 meeting. She had big shoes to fill and really worked hard to make Presidency her own while still giving respect to Dick’s legacy.
The Wilson’s usually planned the NYSCBS Annual Safari’s so Donna braved her first in a very special way, the “2007 Dick Wilson Memorial CB Safari” headquarters in Fleischmann's, NY. Dick Wilson has passed away unexpectedly in February of 2007. Being use to having Dick and Jeanette run safari’s and the fact that his passing was still quite an open wound for many, Donna did a terrific job while dealing with endless challenges according to her friend, Linda Schott who recaptures the event. “She made lemonade from lemons” though no one will ever forget the memorable safari. She was bound and determine to redeem herself and that she did. No one had to climb in windows to get another to open the “house” door or the like!
While Donna was recouping from a health setback others stepped in to plan the annual event. On a safari of 2012 in Vermont-New Hampshire and Massachusetts, she introduced us to “Flat Stanley", the mascot for our Safari. Dave and Carol Frantz’s granddaughter, Kelsey Weaver, had a school project that this flat figured friend was to go wherever they went and document the places he or she visited with pictures & info. Well, “Flat Stanley” became a hit as members would model with him at some of the covered bridges that we viewed.
Donna and Linda Schott were tried-and-true friends and they would stick together through thick and thin. Being that Linda became store manager, they would pal up and represent the Society at different events, setting up a table and peddling our wares and handing out membership applications with brochures. At the Walker Valley’s Shawangunk Day wind and rain made their setting up most interesting.
Donna’s favorite bridge was the Hall’s Mills CB and worked tirelessly to try and advocate for it’s preservation. It was complicated but with the Society’s backing she managed restoration of the one abutment and rehabilitation of the approach.
She also was present at the dedication of a sign depicting the history of our countries oldest covered bridge, Hyde Hall in Glimmerglass State Park
Donna maintained her involvement as historian and worked with Linda when she could. She was able to attend the last safari in White River and was elected Trustee in November 2019.
Sympathy cards may be sent to:
The Freeland Family
c/o Linda Fusiak
34 Dogwood Loop
Bloomingburg, NY 12721
Editors note: Thanks to the New York State Covered Bridge Society for permission to publish this notice.
