PIERCETON – Joan M. Freel, 76, Pierceton, passed away at 6:20 a.m. April 20, 2014, in Millers Merry Manor. She was born Aug. 31, 1937, in Huntington County to Leroy and Bertha Buss Harris. On Nov. 20, 1955, in Huntington she married James Freel, who survives. She worked in resupply for Heckman Bindery, North Manchester, for 18 years. She graduated from Huntington Township High School in 1955. She always attended her class reunions and kept in touch with her classmates. She had many passions in her life. She enjoyed her family, caring for her grandchildren and helping family and friends. She loved memories and keeping photos and making photo albums as well as writing letters, and she was very good at remembering everyone’s birthday. She also loved to cook for her family and have family gatherings on Sundays, which became an all-day event. She loved spring and Easter, flowers and gardening and birds – especially orioles – and feeding the hummingbirds. She also loved quilting, sewing, antiques, collecting collectibles, garage sales and auctions. She was an avid reader and was a frequent visitor to the local library. Also surviving are three sons: Jan (and spouse Lori) Freel, and Jay (and spouse Janet) Freel, all of South Whitley; Jerry Freel, Kendallville; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and one grandchild. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Pierceton, with Pastor Barry Faucett officiating. Burial is in Spring Creek Cemetery, Pierceton. Calling is from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral chapel. ***** Memorials to the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, P.O. Box 80201, Fort Wayne, IN 46898-0201 or foundation@verabradley.com Condolences may be sent via mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com
