Joyce Marie Freewalt

Joyce Marie Freewalt, 67, joined God’s heavenly family on November 4, 2020, after a heroic, two and a half year battle with pancreatic cancer. She passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by the love of her family, including her “big sister” Carol Paus.
Born September 2, 1953, in Chicago, Joyce was the loving daughter of Harriet Kruk and younger sister to Thomas Kruk. Joyce had an indescribable way of connecting with everyone she came in contact with. This trait is why she was able to impact countless people throughout her life. Joyce was married to Richard Freewalt on May 7, 1977, in Chicago and spent 43 years in the beautiful partnership of marriage as a loyal and hard-working wife. As a natural caregiver, Joyce enjoyed her time working at St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital (Chicago, IL) as a candy striper and pharmacy tech for many years. She spent time in retail positions, but her most cherished position was held more recently at Cosley Zoo in Wheaton, IL. Joyce had the highest appreciation for nature and spent time volunteering at the Dupage Animal Shelter and Cantigny Park. At home, Joyce meticulously nurtured a beautiful backyard garden and made sure all the local Carol Stream wildlife were well fed and taken care of. From squirrels to ducks and stray cats to family dogs, Joyce saw it as her duty to look out for all of those that weren’t able to look out for themselves. Joyce enjoyed recreational yoga, Cubs baseball (talk about loyal), and most of all she enjoyed spoiling her 4 beautiful grandchildren. Joyce was a spiritual person who most recently nourished her faith at the Wheaton Bible Church.
Joyce is mourned by her loving husband Richard Freewalt, her two sons Keith (Martha) Freewalt and Eric (Shannon) Freewalt, and her sweet dog, Maggie. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and very close family friends. Joyce’s purest bliss was evident in the time she spent with her grandchildren who will miss her dearly (Oscar, 4, Keller, 2, and twins Eliana and Angeline, 23 months). She never missed an opportunity to explore, play, and nurture her grandchildren. As a mother, Joyce was supportive, understanding, protective, and dedicated. She was overjoyed to acquire two daughters-in-law to whom she was a second mother; welcoming, open, and invested. We will never forget Joyce’s generous and joyful demeanor that she stayed true to even at the end of her life. Her courageous fight against cancer defied all odds and will be an example of bravery and faith to those who were blessed enough to know her.
Due to the current status of COVID-19, there will not be a funeral or memorial service at this time. The family hopes to revisit a memorial service as an option as soon as possible. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation (www.npcf.us). This specific foundation was one that Joyce chose to raise money for on her last birthday and is very near to her heart. Our deepest gratitude is extended to all our friends and family that have supported, encouraged, and loved Joyce throughout her life; especially in her final fight.