Ann Bailey (Bancroft) Freund, 70, passed away unexpectedly on March 28, 2026. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, known for her remarkable ability to create a sense of community wherever she went. Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Nell Bancroft.
Ann was the devoted wife of Col. Lee Freund (Ret.) and a proud Marine Corps spouse. She was a graduate of Quantico High School, class of 1973. Her and Lee’s love story began while she was attending Radford University and he was a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy. Over the course of 48 wonderful years of marriage, they built a life rich with love and adventure — sharing love letters, a proposal at a cabin in Madison County, a wedding at the Quantico Chapel, and countless moves around the world with the Marine Corps before settling at Lake Anna. Ann and Lee were often the life of the party, especially on the dance floor, delighting family and friends with their energy and joy. In recent years, they embraced traveling together, enjoying cruises and Caribbean vacations with loved ones.
Ann was a proud and loving mother to Mark and Sarah, and a cherished mother-in-law to Ryan. She was a devoted and adoring grandmother to Caroline and Emily, and to her “granddog” Charlie. Her family was her greatest joy and always at the center of her life. She also shared a special closeness and bond with her brother, Richard (Ted) and his wife, Pearl.
A gracious and generous host, Ann welcomed everyone into her home as if they were family. Friends and loved ones who visited Lake Anna left with full hearts and full bellies. She had a keen eye for detail and a gift for making every gathering special. Ann loved spending time with her neighborhood friends, often hosting Bunco and game nights filled with laughter. She was deeply committed to serving others, volunteering with the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and supporting her children’s schools. She also enjoyed substitute teaching at local middle schools and could often be found relaxing with her Sudoku puzzles. One of her greatest joys was decorating for Christmas, proudly displaying a collection of over 200 Santas each year.
Ann is survived by her husband, Col. Lee Freund (Ret.); her brother, Richard (Ted) Bancroft, and his wife, Pearl; her son, Mark Freund; her daughter, Sarah Costa, and son-in-law, Ryan Costa; her granddaughters, Caroline and Emily Costa; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her memory will be forever cherished, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.
A visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Semper Fi Memorial Chapel, where the funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. A private burial will take place afterward. A reception will immediately follow the service at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle, VA 22172.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ann’s name to the Semper Fi and America’s Fund at www.thefund.org/donate/
