Obituary of Joan T. Freeman

Joan T. O'Brien Freeman, longtime resident of Haverstraw, NY, passed away after a lengthy illness. She was born on June 24, 1939 in Waterford City, Ireland, as the youngest of 8 children born to Michael & Ellen O'Brien. She graduated from St. John of God School in Waterford, Ireland. 

At the age of 15, Joan immigrated to the USA, July 1954 along with her mother and two sisters. They joined her Father, twin brothers and sister in Haverstraw, NY who had arrived previously. She attended Haverstraw High School for three years, where she was known as 'Irish'. It was here that she met her future husband. She graduated as a member of  the Class of '57. 

She married Don G. Freeman in St Peter's Church May 20, 1961 (d.1987) She became a Naturalized Citizen in 1963. While she was a proud American, she always missed her homeland of Ireland and her dear family that remained there. She was the proud Irish mother of a son and daughter. 

She was a ferocious homemaker in her beloved home on Hudson Avenue. Mom also drove fellow campers crazy with the aromas of her full blown Turkey dinners and roasts made in a 14ft travel trailer during summer adventures. 

When her children were grown, Joan began her home daycare business in 1981.  She continued education to maintain her license throughout the years. For 20 years she loved and cared for close to 100 little ones. Even  long after they left her care, the love ran both ways. She was their "Joni" or "JoJo". 

Joan enjoyed being a member of St Peter's Choir for over 30 years,where she made many dear friends. She was also a member of Catholic Daughters Of America 604 Joan Of Arc Court. She enjoyed reading and was known for her talking marathons with her friends and sisters in  phone conversations. 

Joan was predeceased by her beloved parents, Michael and Ellen O'Brien, brothers Nicholas, Noel and Michael O'Brien. Sisters Eileen Kearsey, Ann Marie (Nano) O'Connor, Mary Margaret (May) Kearsey. Joan is survived by son Barry Freeman (Becky) and their children Austin (April), Emma and Seth. Her daughter Siobhan Sheehan (Michael)  their children Michael (Stephanie), Nicholas, Aidan and Declan. Her sister Bridget (Breda) O'Brien Freeman, Fort Myers, FL; in-laws: Ann Freeman Senior( Richard), Novato,CA, Jane Freeman Jersey, Warrenton,VA, Gary Freeman, Ellenton, FL Nancy Freeman Suffern,NY and Stella O'Brien,Hyde Park, NY. Also survived by numerous nephews, nieces and cousins both in the US and Ireland. 

Family will receive friends Thursday 4-8pm at TJ McGowan 71 N. Central Highway,Garnerville, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday,11am, at St Peter's Church, 115 Broadway, Haverstraw, NY, followed by internment at St Peter's Cemetery, Haverstraw, NY.