Helen Betty Freeman

1932 - 2022

Helen Freeman, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grand mother, sister, aunt and friend died on Monday, Oct. 31st. She was 90 years old and lived a rich life.Although her recent health challenges limited her activities, they never succeeded in changing her, nor taking away the joy in which she lived her life, her generous spirit or her kind heart. She was the pillar of the family and a guiding light for them and her many friends.Helen was born in Hancock, Michigan, migrating to California with her family in 1946. She lived most of the rest of her life in California. (Stockton 1946-1957, Santa Maria 1957-1975, Pleasant Hill 1975-1979, Klamath Falls, Oregon 1979-1985, Concord 1985-1990, and Martinez until her death).Helen worked in the advertising department at the Stockton Record where she met her first husband, Joseph, and the Contra Costa Times at various times during her career, as well as Chevron USA in the Finance department before retiring. That said, her true passion was her family and friends. She was always there to care for those who needed her, offering her support and guidance to her husband, children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces and friends.Helen and her first husband, Joseph Boessenecker Jr., were married for 27 years, until his death in 1984. They raised four children. Helen was then fortunate to meet Jim Freeman at their church in Pleasant Hill, marrying in 1990. They had 19 wonderful years together before Jim's passing in 2009.Helen loved cooking, spending time with her family, travel and gardening beyond all else, as well as seeing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up. Her faith was extremely important to her, and she regularly attended church, sang in the choir, and helped out with events. She served many years with the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. Helen also earned a Lifetime Service Award with the PTA (Parent Teacher Association).Another passion of Helen's was sewing. She made many of the children's clothes as they were growing up, and of course, many Halloween costumes, and wedding dresses for her three daughters.A memorial service is being planned at Faith Lutheran Church in Pleasant Hill on Saturday January21st. The family asks mourners to consider donations to the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML): LWML@LWML.org, or the California Symphony in Walnut Creek: Californiasymphony.org.Helen is survived by her children, Dayme Fitzpatrick and husband, Todd, of Lafayette, Joseph W. Boessenecker III, of Sutter Creek, Jule Chase and husband, Mark, of Withee, Wisconsin, and Patricia Cormia and husband, Neil, of Novato; by her step-children, Tom Freeman and wife, Janice Freeman, of Modesto, Mollie Freeman, of Sacramento, Sue Potter, of Damascus, Oregon; ten grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph W. Boessenecker Jr., second husband, James Hawes Freeman, and step-son Jay Freeman.