Janet Freeman

Janet Harper Freeman

May 23, 1934 - January 4, 2025

Janet Harper Freeman, age 90, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2025. Born on May 23, 1934, in Topeka, Kansas to Dorothy Kleinhans Harper and Thaddeus Harper, Janet grew up in a time of transformation, resilience, and opportunity that shaped her extraordinary life.

The younger of two daughters, Janet was sweet, shy, and deeply devoted. Her mother was a remarkable woman of strength, independence, and brilliance-a true trailblazer for her time. Dorothy's influence instilled in Janet a love of learning, music, and faith that would remain central throughout Janet's life.

After getting divorced, Dorothy moved Joan and Janet to The Academy of the Holy Angels, a boarding school and nunnery in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Academy of the Holy Angels, established in 1866 by the Marianites of Holy Cross, was a prominent all-girls Catholic high school located in the Bywater historic district of New Orleans. The Marianites, a congregation of nuns founded in Le Mans, France, in 1841 by Father Basil Moreau, dedicated themselves to education, healthcare, and other charitable works. The school became known for its rigorous curriculum and emphasis on moral development, reflecting the Marianites' commitment to holistic education. Janet became a nun but having been influenced by the school, as Janet grew older, she longed for a college education. With that, she left the nunnery to pursue a Bachelor's degree in music and later, a Master's degree in Spanish, both from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

Janet married Dr. James Alvin Freeman, Sr., with whom she raised a family of three boys and a girl. James was a gifted physician and coroner known for his dedication to his community and exceptional skill as a teacher and medical professional. James, a man of deep integrity and intellect, is remembered as a genius by his peers and for his commitment to the people of California as a doctor at Alcatraz and in Louisiana where he served as a pathologist, practitioner, and coroner for over three decades. They shared a love of learning, a fondness for travel, and a commitment to their children and their community. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and service. Janet's quiet strength and resilience were constants in their lives, offering stability and love through times of immense joy and unimaginable loss.

Janet also pursued her passion for learning through world travel and lived experiences, including living in Puebla, Mexico. She had a deep appreciation for the arts, culture, and languages, which she carried with her throughout her life. Her education reflected her intellect and curiosity, and she cherished the opportunities it provided to connect with others and explore the world through music and language.

Janet moved from Louisiana to California in 2018. She lived out her days with her daughter and son-in-law, in the company of Californians.

Janet was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. James A. Freeman, Sr.; her son, James A. "Jimmy" Freeman, Jr.; her son, Dana A. Freeman; and her sister, Joan H. Lovelace. Despite these profound losses, Janet's unwavering faith was a beacon of hope and inspiration to those around her.

Janet is survived by her son, Dr. Mark E. Freeman and his wife, Marie and her daughter, Susan C. Freeman and her husband, Mike Futrell. She leaves behind eight grandchildren and a legacy of love, faith, and resilience that will continue to inspire her family and all who knew her.

Janet will be remembered for her love of music, her passion for learning, and her deep connection to God. She taught those around her the beauty of acceptance, the importance of kindness, and the strength found in humility.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests you make donations to Alzheimer's Association:

https://www.alz.org