Obituary of Joan Ruth Freeman

Joan “Joanie, Joanne” Freeman touched many lives in her 91 years and departed this earth on February 15, 2021 from consequences related to the Covid-19 virus Joan was born on February 13, 1930 to Raymond and Edith Halloran. Even as a young child, she was forever curious, always learning, and quick to formulate her own ideas about, well, everything. At 4 years old, she won first place in a Shirley Temple coloring contest sponsored by the Akron Beacon Journal. Joan’s parents were astonished! They had no idea that Joan had secretly prepared and mailed the entry to the newspaper! Joan graduated from East High School in 1948. She later attended KSU where she met her husband, Scott Freeman, III. She and Scott were married from 1954 to 1967. She left school and stayed at home to raise her 3 children. After her children were grown, she returned to Kent State graduating with a Masters in Education in 1980 , but was “really” a master of “ALL” subjects. Those who knew her often got an education in some surprising subjects – delivered in Joan’s unique style. Joan was proud of her work as a phlebotomist, med tech, and later as a teacher, as well as her commitment to helping establish Kent’s Natural Food Collective. She was an artist who worked from home creating floral arrangements, sand sculpture terrariums, & many Victorian style boxes and baskets. Joan will always be remembered for her sense of style and ability as a seamstress creating many of her own outfits and those for her children. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Raymond. Joan will be missed by her 3 children: Michelle Dawson (Denny), Craig Freeman ( Scott Reduga) and Lisa (Kent) as well as grandchildren: Melody Dawson ( Ray Teixeira) and Maria Torsney (Allan) and great grandchildren: Tyler, Jaelynn, Nate, Austin, Liam, Addison and Rhiannon. Joan will also be missed by best friends Mary Ann and Ron Budzowski, her extended family, and god-daughter Rita Burkley (John) , who were caregivers in later years and by her caring neighbor Don Shallahamer ( Norma) In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children (www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org) A memorial service will be held Monday, July 19, 2021 at 5 PM at Redmon Funeral Home.