, born in Springfield, Ill. on February 22, 1930, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025. She was the daughter of Genevieve and William Heineke and the beloved sister of Carolyn Easom (Harry Easom).

Barbara was married to Richard Alan Freund for 73 years, a partnership rooted in deep love and lasting friendship. Together, they raised four children, Laura Freund, Jeffrey Freund, Amy Abernathy (Jack Abernathy), and Johanna Newman (Kevin Reeves). She was a proud grandmother to Christopher Phillips (Carson Phillips), Stephanie Phillips, Brian (Ben) Newman, Justin Newman, and Mary Newman; and a delighted great-grandmother to Arthur Phillips. She was preceded in death by her son, Jeffrey Freund.

A passionate reader, Barbara turned her love of books into a lifelong career. She owned and operated Main Street Books in Davidson for over 30 years. She had a special gift for recommending just the right book to each person who walked through the door.

Barbara was a long-time member of the Lake Norman Yacht Club, joining in 1967. She cherished the welcoming atmosphere and the many friendships she formed there over the decades.

She enjoyed playing tennis and bridge and loved to gamble — more for the fun and thrill of it than anything else.

Barbara’s warmth, wisdom, and sense of joy will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service in honor of Barbara will be held on Saturday, July 19, at 11 a.m. at the Lake Norman Yacht Club, located at 297 Yacht Road, Mooresville, NC 28117. Following the service, Barbara’s family warmly invites all who knew and loved her to join them in a celebration of her life, sharing memories, stories, and the joy she brought to so many.

Memorials can be made to Davidson College Presbyterian Church, Davidson College Presbyterian Church, PO Box 337, Davidson, NC 28036. Or you can visit https://onrealm.org/dcpc/-/form/give/now.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.