Joyce Freberg

Joyce Ann (Thurston) Freberg, 91, of Highland Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Joyce was born in Red Granite, Wisconsin, on January 11, 1934. She and her twin sister, Janice, were the youngest of seven children of Theresa and Harry Thurston. Raised on the family farm in Hancock, Wisconsin, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point with a Bachelor of Education.
In 1956, she met and married Harold Freberg and moved to Highland Park where they built a legendary life together for 59 years with their family, friends and community, until his passing in 2015.
"Mrs. Freberg" loved being a 2 nd and 3 rd grade teacher for over 30 years at Wayne Thomas Elementary School. During that time, she raised her family of six children and completed her master's degree. To her students, family, and friends alike, Joyce was a true educator and treated everyone with genuine kindness and compassion.
She loved to read, travel, and be with her family and friends, with whom she shared her wisdom, insights, humor, and sharp wit freely. She brought her sense of play and competitive spirit to numerous hobbies and activities over the years including golf, tennis, square dancing, bowling, and cards - especially bridge. Joyce was an active and beloved member of Christ Our Hope
parish and the Highland Park Women's Club.
Remaining to cherish Joyce's memory are her children Kathryn (Steve), Mark (Mary), Scott (Toula), Timothy (Shelly) and David (Roberto) along with many grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Preceding Joyce in death are her husband, Harold, and daughter, Caroline.
Memorial donations may be directed to Highland Park Woman's Club, Box 344 Highland Park, IL. 60035 to support their Scholarship Fund.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 29th 2025 - 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM - Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home - 1787 Deerfield Road, Highland Park, IL 60035.
A visitation on Friday, May 30th 2025 - 9:00 AM until the Memorial Mass at 10:00 AM- Immaculate Conception Church (Christ our Hope Parish) - 770 Deerfield Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035