Joan Epp Freel

Joan Epp Freel passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at the age of 77 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lt. Cmdr. Alfred G. Epp, USN, and Dorothy LeBreton Epp. She is survived by her beloved husband of 55 years, Charlie; her four children, Emily Brenes (Michael), Andy (Angelique), Tommy (Ashley), and Jerry (Jill); her grandchildren Lillian, Bella, Hudson, Drew, David, Tucker, Corinne, Ellie Mae, Jacob, and Benjamin Freel, and Paul, Mark, and Sarah Brenes; her brother, Jimmy Epp (Patty); her sister-in-law Lu Ann Cobb; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joan was born and raised in New Orleans and graduated from the Academy of the Holy Angels. She retired after working for 26 years as a PreK Paraprofessional at St. Catherine of Siena School. Joan was an active member of St. Jerome Parish in Kenner, participating in many ministries which included, among others, the Food Pantry and the Altar Society. She attended Mass as often as she could. Joan received the Order of St. Louis Medallion in 2022 in honor of her service to the church. Her faith was very important to her and is a lasting legacy to her family.

Joan loved gardening, reading, visiting Disney properties, and puzzles. One of her favorite things to do was to see various musicals with Charlie in and around the city. Most of all, Joan loved spending time with her family and friends. She looked forward to gathering as often as possible with her 4 amazing kids and their 4 amazing spouses. Joan eagerly anticipated the annual family vacations where all 23 members were together. She was better known as ‘Mimi’ to her favorite people, aka the grandkids, of whom she was very proud. Mimi loved to talk about them when she wasn’t traveling to see them or attending various dance recitals, football games, soccer games, plays, cheer and dance competitions, baseball games, rugby games, concerts, basketball games, art exhibits, and Grandparents Day activities. Her pantry is still full of Cub Scout popcorn and Girl Scout cookies, and the front of her refrigerator is full of many mementos of special times together. To know Joan was to love her, and she will be dearly missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 2402 33rd Street, Kenner, on Saturday, February 8, 2024, starting at 11:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow in Lake Lawn Park Cemetery, 5454 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jerome Church.