Obituary of Jo Ann Freer

On Monday, March 28, 2022, Jo Ann (Frank) Freer, loving wife and mother of three children and six grandchildren, passed away at the age of 81 in Panama City, Florida. Jo Ann was born on December 29, 1940 in Utica, NY to Francis (Fritz) and Esther Frank. After attending school in New Hartford, NY, she received her B.A. from Utica College of Syracuse University and a M.S. degree in Counseling from Colgate University. On December 14, 1963, she married Charles Freer. Jo Ann was in private practice in New Hartford and Utica, NY for many years specializing in women's rights and gender issues. Later in life, Jo Ann and her husband, Charlie, moved to Endwell, NY. Jo Ann is survived by her husband, Charlie, and her three children, Jennifer, Elizabeth, and Jonathan. Jo Ann, who was affectionately known as "Mimi" is also survived by her 6 grandchildren, Chloe, Kelsey, Keegan, Jocelyn, Jackson, and Juliet, whom she absolutely adored. She is also survived by her three siblings, Mary Lou, Russell, and Edward. Jo Ann was a peaceful and compassionate soul who worked her whole life to bring peace and joy to those around her. She loved to be out in nature and shared her love of the natural world with her family and friends. Later in life, Jo Ann became a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Binghamton, NY and served in many capacities. While Jo Ann had many hobbies, such as knitting and various craftwork, her love of painting stood out among the others. Jo Ann worked at becoming a talented water-color painter and shared her work with friends and family. Jo Ann's dedication to serving others was honored by the State of New York in 2017 when she was named the Older New York State Volunteer of the Year. Through this award, the State of New York acknowledged Jo Ann "above all of the rest for her distinguished lifetime of service" citing her work as a tax counselor for AARP, and the programs she developed, such as the Social Connections for Senior Women, the Positive Aging Academy, a wonderful discussion called "Downsize and Declutter,", as well as her work with the Unitarian Universalist Church. In her later years, Jo Ann stayed connected with her loving family and grew her circle of friends as she and Charlie began to spend their winter months, along with her sister Mary Lou, in the Mexico Beach area of the Florida panhandle. Here again, Jo Ann made wonderful connections with folks in the local community and fellow "snowbirds". Jo Ann's devotion to family and friends will light their way as they proceed in life. It is said Jo Ann brightened every room she entered with her lovely smile and cheeriness. She will be deeply missed by those she touched. A celebration of Jo Ann's life will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 11am at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Binghamton, NY. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in her name to the Broome County Office of Aging at https://www.gobroomecounty.com/senior/donations