Patricia E. (Schmalz) Freyberger

Patricia E. Freyberger

December 1, 2023

Patricia Freyberger, 83, of Syracuse passed away in Syracuse on Friday, December 1, 2023. Born and raised in Syracuse, she was a graduate of Syracuse University. Patricia’s career took her to Chicago and after she married, she moved to follow her husband’s military career to Charleston SC where her son Martin was born. After Pat divorced she then return to Syracuse with her young son, Martin where she raised him as a working single mother while continuing her education.

Pat’s career focused on the human services, primarily as an Occupational Therapist in the NYS social services system. She earned an MPA from Syracuse University. After retirement Pat continued working as an OT consultant. In her life-long practice Pat was committed to helping all people achieve a decent, dignified and fulfilling life. Pat was a fierce and focused advocate for her clients.

Pat’s travels were guided by lively curiosity and a deep interest in the history, people and cultures of the places she visited. As a traveling companion she was a joy. Funny, wry, open to new experiences she happily dragged her companions along on side trips to explore ever deeper aspects of places and cultures.

She was a patron of many cultural entities during her life including Syracuse Symphony/Symphoria, Schola Cantorum of Syracuse, Syracuse Stage, Syracuse Opera, Chamber Music Society, and NYS Baroque. She also ushered for several seasons at Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown and was in their opera chorus for a production of The Mikado. She sang for many years in the Syracuse University Oratorio Society, and sang with and served on the board of Schola Cantorum.

She was actively enrolled in OASIS courses for many years, especially for the film history and literature classes. And she traveled almost literally the world through much of North and South America, Europe, and Asia where she walked part of the Great Wall.

She is remembered as well for her care and concern for human friends, but also for her own long series of cats. She supported several animal welfare efforts on a larger scale.

She was a member of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church and its choir, as well as other choirs in the area.

She is survived by her brother Werner (Michelle)Schmaltz, one son, Martin, of Syracuse, a granddaughter, Danielle (Gregory) Sondrol of Colorado and four great-grandchildren, Lola, Hugo, Vera and Howl Sondrol, also of Colorado.

Burial was at the Woodlawn Cemetery Cremation Garden in Syracuse.

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