Joyce Schnars Freeman
Sept. 1, 1942-Dec. 26, 2023
Pleasanton, CA

Joyce Schnars Freeman passed away at the age of 81in Pleasanton, California the morning of December 26, 2023 after a battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born on September 1, 1942 the third of three children in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to the Reverend Clarence and Mrs. Gladys Schnars. Her father was pastor of the Mount Lebanon Christian Church in Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Mount Lebanon High School in 1960. She converted to Catholicism in 1963 and completed her formal education graduating from California State University, East Bay June 15, 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Services. She married Ernest Freeman from San Antonio, Texas in 1983 who was serving with the Navy in San Francisco, California. After his retirement from the Navy, Joyce and Ernest settled in Pleasanton, California. Joyce had an eleven year career as a property claims adjuster with Farmers Insurance in Pleasanton. Joyce joined Ernest in participating in the Diocese of Oakland Diaconal Formation Program in 1989. With the support and encouragement of Joyce, Ernest completed the program and was ordained as a deacon in 1995. Ernest was assigned to the Catholic Community of Pleasanton for his ministerial duties. Joyce joined him by working in music ministry, hospital ministry, and other tasks in the parish. In her younger days, Joyce enjoyed playing tennis, and skiing at the Lake Tahoe resorts. She also enjoyed hiking the numerous hiking trails of the state and national parks. She and Ernest enjoyed the Performing Arts. They were subscribers to the stage productions of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, San Francisco Symphony, and the San Francisco Ballet. Joyce also enjoyed the weekly organ concerts at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco. Joyce is survived by her husband Ernest; granddaughter Lorae Simpson Ph.D. of Fort Pierce, Florida; granddaughter Taren Maroun of Sacramento, California; sister Ruth Gump of Granbury, Texas; and, sister Jean McLaughlin of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Augustine Church, 3999 Bernal Ave., Pleasanton at 11 AM on 3 February 2024. Inurnment of Joyce’s ashes will be held at 11 AM, 5 February 2024 at St. Michael Cemetery, 3885 East Ave., Livermore. Friends and family are invited.