Diane P. Freer

Diane Pruyn Freer January 10, 1943 – September 6, 2025

Diane Pruyn Freer, 82, of Latham, New York, passed away on September 6, 2025, after a brief illness.

Born in Bronxville, New York, on January 10, 1943, and raised in Yonkers, she was the daughter of the late John Pruyn and Hazel Dykes Pruyn. Diane was a graduate of SUNY Cortland and spent her career as a dedicated elementary school teacher.

Following her retirement from the classroom, Diane continued her lifelong commitment to education through her work in Holocaust education alongside her dear friend, Shelly Shapiro, for more than 30 years, and remained active in her work until her illness.

A member of Latham Community Baptist Church for over 50 years, Diane considered her church community to be part of her extended family, drawing great strength and joy from her faith.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Robert Hervey Freer; her children, Brian Hervey Freer (Tracy) and Heather Kurut (Ray); her grandchildren, Brandon Hervey Freer (Jaci), Emily Lewis (Thomas), Ashley Kurut, and Anastasia Kurut; and her brother, Gary Pruyn (Elaine), her niece Katherine Dieter (Jon) and her nephew John Pruyn. She was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, James F. Freer.

Diane cherished the time she spent playing bridge with close friends, traveling to the Adirondacks, and visiting cousins locally and in Vermont. She had a lifelong love of musical theatre and was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Daughters of Sarah Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the care and kindness they provided to Diane in her final days.

A service celebrating Diane’s life will be held on Friday, September 19, at 1:00 p.m. at Latham Community Baptist Church, 109 Forts Ferry Rd, Latham, NY 12110, with a reception immediately following. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Latham Community Baptist Church, 109 Forts Ferry Road, Latham, New York.