Joan M. Freel, 76, of Pierceton, Ind., passed away at 6:20 a.m. Sunday, April 20, 2014, in Millers Merry Manor, Warsaw, Ind.

On Aug. 31, 1937, she was born in Huntington County, Ind., to Leroy and Bertha (Buss) Harris. She was united in marriage to James Freel on Nov. 20, 1955, in Huntington, who survives.

Joan worked in resupply for Heckman Bindery, North Manchester, Ind., 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.

Joan 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 birthdays. Joan 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. Joan also loved quilting, sewing, antiques, collecting collectibles, garage sales and auctions. She was an avid reader and was a frequent visitor of the local library.

Joan is survived by her husband: James Freel, Pierceton; three sons: Jan (Lori) Freel, South Whitley, Ind.; Jerry Freel, Kendallville, Ind.; and Jay (Janet) Freel, South Whitley; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and one grandchild.

Visitation is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Pierceton. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 24, at the funeral home with Pastor Barry Faucett officiating. Burial will be in Spring Creek Cemetery, Pierceton. 

Memorials may be made to the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, P.O. Box 80201, Fort Wayne, IN 46898-0201; or foundation@verabradley.com.

To sign the guestbook or send condolences electronically, go to the McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels website.