CHATHAM – Barbara Jean Freidel of Chatham died December 22, 2023 at St. Peter's Hospital's Hospice Unit after a lengthy battle with health issues.

Barbara was born in Hudson August 6, 1949, the daughter of Harvey and Pauline (Caron) McCagg.

She is survived by a son, Health Freidel (Rebecca) of East Greenbush, grandchildren, Riley and Grayson of East Greenbush; brothers Harvey McCagg of Stottville and Ralph McCagg of Valatie, nephew, Michael McCagg of Greenport and nieces, Amy and Melissa McCagg of Boston.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Frederick Freidel, son Geoffrey Freidel, and a brother, Paul McCagg of Chatham.

She was a lifetime resident of Chatham, where she graduated from Chatham Central High School and was employed locally until the birth of her children. Later in life, she returned to work at ChatCo-Chatham Plastic Wares and later worked many years as a newspaper carrier for the Register-Star of Hudson.

Barbara served her community for many years as a volunteer with the Chatham Rescue Squad. She also provided elder care for her mother and others in the family and was credited with saving the life of a woman she found wandering on the highway in the middle of a winter night.

A memorial service for the family will be held at the French, Gifford, Preiter and Blasl Funeral Home in Chatham at 10 a.m. December 30, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chatham Fire Department. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com