Obituary of Joan Freeman

Joan Moore Freeman completed her journey here on earth on Monday, September 24th, 2007 following a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loving family as she left us to join her beloved husband, Bill, who passed away on June 8th. Joan was born in Dallas, Texas on October 8, 1931 to H.A. and Ruth Moore. Her family relocated to Salinas when her stepfather, A.K. Gilmore, opened Gilmore's Upholstery in 1945. She graduated from Salinas High School, class of 1948 and married Bill in December of that year. She made her home in Salinas for more than 60 years. Joan was very involved in her children's activities, from hosting church parties to chaperoning school sponsored trips, traveling with North Salinas High School's cheerleading squad, the choir and the band when her children were attending North High. She was a Sunday School teacher for over 40 years at the Alvin Drive Church of Christ, teaching literally generations of children. For many years, she delivered the Salinas Californian newspaper to vendors throughout Salinas with the family business. After retiring from the Californian, she received her insurance license and worked for Farmer's Insurance for 15 years before retiring. Joan was a very talented artist in several media. She was a master seamstress, creating many wedding dresses, prom dresses and other formal and costume wear. She also designed and created North Salinas High School cheerleader uniforms for many years. In addition to her sewing talent, Joan was a talented painter, creating many oil paintings for friends and family over the years. She designed and created jewelry; crocheted and "tatted" accessories. Her artistic curiosity and talent knew no bounds and she passed along her love of art to each of her children and to many others she taught during her lifetime. Joan is survived by her five children: Donna (Mike) Doglione of Gilbert, AZ; Carol (Charles) Grandelli of Salinas; Ruth (Dennis) Miller of Woodland; Bill Freeman of Salinas; Scott Freeman of Newport, RI. She is also survived by three grandchildren: Gina Doglione (Josh Nielsen), Tony (Yessica) Grandelli, and Emily Miller (Christopher Dilbeck); and three great grandchildren, Gianna, Nico and Joey Nielsen. Preceding her in death was her husband of 59 years, Bill Freeman. She is also predeceased by her mother and stepfather, Ruth and Gil Gilmore; her father, Hiram Moore and her two grandchildren, Elliott Doglione and Chelsea Grandelli. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Joan's two favorite charities: The Elliott Angelo Doglione Memorial Baseball Scholarship Fund (c/o 6436 S. Trophy Court, Gilbert, AZ 85297) and the Chelsea Grandelli Memorial Fund (c/o 9 Princeton Circle, Salinas, CA 93906), or to the donor's favorite charity. Friday September 28, 2007 , 10 AM at Church of Christ Click for Map and Directions