ALTAMONT — “Elizabeth Ann Free, a woman whose life was filled with creativity, entered her heavenly home on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at the age of 97,” her family wrote in a tribute. 

Born in Auburn, New York, she was the daughter of the late Elizabeth (née Skinner) Hyde and Lynford Hyde. She and her sister grew up in Alexander, New York.

“Ann graduated from Alexander Central School in 1944 as the class’s salutatorian, then studied engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology,” the tribute said. “After relocating to Ithaca, she eventually met the love of her life, Stuart, whom she married, and, after moving to Altamont, had three daughters who all grew up in Altamont.

“Ann made many beautifully crocheted and knitted items, quilts, flower arrangements, and flower gardens, and loved her activities with the crafters at the Helderberg Reformed Church in Guilderland Center, where she was a long-time member.

“She was an avid reader and especially enjoyed history. She kept up with current affairs by reading the newspaper daily. She enjoyed selling Avon products to friends and neighbors well into her 80s. Ann also conducted an extensive genealogical study, which earned her admission to the Daughters of the American Revolution.”

She is survived by her three daughters, Linda Driscoll (John), Susan Olivares, and Nancy Miller (Steve); her grandchildren Sharon, Tony (Lauren), Alex (Tara), Adam (Jordan), David, and Dana; and her beloved great-granddaughter, Ellie Mae Elizabeth.

Her husband, Stuart, died before her, as did her sister, Marion “Freddie” Dale, and her grandson, Conor.  

“In her honor, please consider donating to the Humane Society,” her family wrote. “She had a special love for the felines in her care.”

A private service will take place with family.