Rosemary Freeman

Rosemary Freeman, age 71 of Toledo Illinois, passed peacefully at 9:20 am Sunday April 12, 2026, at Cumberland Rehab and Nursing Center in Greenup. 

 A memorial graveside services will be held at Friends Grove Cemetery at a later date. The Barkley Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

Rosemary was born May 16, 1954, in Chicago Illinois to Richard and Jean Ryan Freeman. Survivors include her daughter Misha Freeman and husband Zach Reiss of Toledo. Grandchildren Sydney Bennett of Greenfield Indiana, McKenzie Tipsword and Bentley Freeman of Toledo. Brothers Greg Freeman of Toledo, David Freeman of Plainfield Indiana, her sister Amber Perry of Neoga, many cousins, friends, and family. She was proceeded in death by her grandparents Tommy and Gladys Freeman of Toledo parents Richard and Jean Ryan Freeman of Toledo, Uncle Wayne Freeman of Oakland, and her sister Candace Freeman of Maryland heights Missouri. 

Rosemary attended Cumberland schools, graduating in 1972. She then went on to attend Lakeland college, earning her degree in early childhood development. She worked for the Mattoon Illinois daycare before becoming a teacher’s aide at Cumberland Elementary School.  Being raised on a farm she really enjoyed the outdoors, the farm animals and especially working in the garden. Her passion for planting flowers is something we will always remember. She loved reading about history and baking. But above all else her grandchildren gave her the greatest joy. Aside from nature, attending Friend’s Grove Church in Toledo is where she felt the most peace. Her love for Jesus was something she always held dear. 

A truly selfless soul, Rosemary never hesitated to give her last dollar to those in need, never expecting anything in return. She loved her classmates of 1972, and would tell stories of HS adventures. Every person she met throughout her 71 years, she held dear to her heart. She will truly be missed, but her memory will never fade.

We would like to thank the entire Transitions Hospice Team, the Mattoon Illinois Cancer Clinic, as well as the staff at the Cumberland Rehab and Nursing Center in Greenup for the care that she received during her treatments and while on hospice. It made her transition into heaven so much easier for everyone. 

Donations may be made to the foundation of their choice. 

Online condolences can be expressed at www.barkleyfuneralchapels.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rosemary Freeman, please visit our floral store.