Janice Freeman

Born April 13th 1949. Mother to 4 children, Timothy, James, Angela and Anthony. She has 12 Grandchildren, James, Jessica Jan, Jozelyne, Abby, Ian, Jordan, Dana, Paige, Nicholas, Matthew, Jacob and Brittany Rose, along with 6 Great Grandchildren, Braydon, Braxon, Faith, Hayden, Damian and Rose.

Janice is now reunited with her parents Marvin and Caroline Peterson and was a blessed sister to Pat Fulton, Judy Kummala and Bob Peterson.

The family was raised up in Columbia Heights Minnesota, this is where Janice graduated High school as well. As a youth, Jan had such a heart for animals. She would find stray animals, bring them home to nurture them, knowing that she would be their protector while bringing them back to health. Although there were days of the mysterious disappearances of these strays, while her parents assured her that they just went off on their own without any assistance on their part.

She began a family soon after high school while married to Timothy Freeman in Minneapolis. She continued to reside in Minneapolis after their divorce to raise her children independently with all she had, she committed to make a life with needs met no matter how much energy it took out of her.

Jan always carried such a passion in the area of serving others. She cleaned, shopped and continued friendships with many people of all ages. At one point it was a job, but after that job had ended she continued to spread herself to them no matter how it was needed, she'd make it priority to serve. This life choice overflowed into her adulthood and now rests with her in passing. She was a beautiful example of a heart with no boundaries in giving. Lots of sewing was done in crafting, lots of blankets made donated to the local pet hospital, cloth bags filled with gift items with names intentionally hand sewn on them, Christmas ornaments, Christmas stockings, Kleenex box covers, SO MANY items made by her hands. So much time, so much heart. Another passion that overflowed into her adulthood was the love of animals. Dogs, cats, fish, and yes, you all know it….the birds. Known as "the bird lady" within the community she made a life and living by loving exotic birds. She would breed them and sell them to pet shops, bring them to schools to educate on the importance of commitment in caring for them. The local animal control had been called to her home many times because of fussing neighbors, because on a beautiful sunny day, the birds would sing and chatter at the top of their lungs. To some it was irritating, to Jan is was glorious and brought joy to her heart. Animal control would come and inspect. But what the neighbors didn't know was that Jan had no problem inviting them in to meet and play with each and every one of them. She always maintained a clean home and living environment with providing for her pets.

Then the emphysema and COPD began to rob her of the energy, it took away the excitement and dulled her life. She had no more "get up and go". She would say that her "get up and go has gotten up and left". Even after walking away from the cigarettes they still took their toll many years after. She battled denial, she hated the idea that something of her past could rob her of a future. So she pressed on as if it weren't true, yet the reality still continued to knock on her door.

So here we are today. Saying our See ya later's to her.

A beautiful soul gone too soon. Jan will be remembered for such beauty she carried internally and externally. She will continue to live on in the hearts of those she once served and also to the ones who watched her and have learned to pass her legacy on. She is in the arms of Jesus, resting her head, breathing beautifully now. See ya later dear mother, dear grandmother, dear sister, dear aunt, dear friend. Rest now.

Freeman, Janice C., age 66 of Minneapolis, passed away Mar 28, 2016. Funeral service 11AM Fri, Apr 1 with a visitation one hour prior at Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley.