OBITUARY FROM BURNS FUNERAL HOME WEBSITE:
Obituary for Joyce (née Newman) Frechette
Joyce passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving children.
Joyce was a sweet and beautiful soul whose kindness, grace, and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her. She was a devoted mother and the heart of her family. Her love was heartfelt and unconditional, and she had a quiet way of making others feel safe, cared for, and deeply loved. If you knew Joyce, you knew she always wanted to be sure her hair and makeup were done-something her family and close friends will always smile and lovingly remember.
Joyce was born on December 18, 1941, in Gary, Indiana, and graduated from Hobart High School in 1960. Following high school, she and her best friend, Sue, adventurously traveled to California, lived in Hollywood, and worked for Universal Studios, an early reflection of her courage, curiosity, and independent spirit. Throughout her life, Joyce built a varied and meaningful career that included administrative and marketing roles, as well as positions in teaching and sales.
Later, Joyce found her true professional calling in the real estate industry, a career she absolutely loved! She had a natural gift for selling and a true passion for interior decorating, designing, building, and selling homes. She brought warmth, style, and care into every space she touched, and her enthusiasm and eye for beauty made her work both joyful and successful.
Joyce always had a love for horses that began in her childhood, and she rode as often as she could throughout her high school years. That lifelong dream came full circle later in life when she proudly became the owner of two Tennessee Walkers, Dani and Raven, which brought her immense happiness and fulfillment.
Joyce also found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Her hobbies included reading and writing, planting flowers and gardening, and cooking for her family - something she took great pride in. She loved reading Better Homes and Gardens and Architectural Digest, reflecting her lifelong appreciation for home, beauty, and design. She loved music, and her all-time favorite artist was Elvis Presley. She especially enjoyed good food and was fond of cake, buttercream frosting, chocolate pies, fluff, and frozen yogurt. And please don't forget ketchup! Joyce loved the water, sunshine, and the beach, and found great happiness being near the water. Among her favorite simple joys were visiting with loving friends, car rides in the country and a visit to DQ for her favorite swirl cone. She also had a special love for her little dog Louie, and for dogs throughout her life, who brought her comfort, companionship and joy. When her health allowed, she also loved watching her son drag race and took great pride in being there to support him.
Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Clarence and Charlotte Newman (née Verplank). She is survived by her brother, William Newman (Melanee); her daughter, Cindy Blanchard (Nick Baldner); and her son, John Blanchard. She was a loving grandmother to Lindsay Negrelli-Gawat (Ryan), Christian Burmeister (Lorrin Wilfong), and Ryan Burmeister (Hailey Hashu), her adored great-grandchildren AJ and Abby Gawat. She is also survived by her cherished nephew, Brock Newman (Melanie); her niece, Erin Smith (Charlie); her beloved great-nieces and great-nephew; bonus family Kelton, Kailyn and Kamber Kaechle; and her closest friends, whom she dearly loved.
Joyce leaves behind a legacy of love, adventure, beauty, and gentle strength that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.
A memorial visitation will be held at Burns Funeral Home 701 East 7th Street, Hobart, Indiana Friday, February 27, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm followed by a memorial service at 5:00 pm. Cremation will take place at Burns Funeral Home Crematory.
In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Joyce's love of horses, please consider a donation to: True North Training Stables, 927 N 150 W. Chesterton, Indiana 46304, www.truenorthtrainingstables.com
This information and the picture below were obtained from: https://www.burnsfuneral.com/obituaries/joyce-frechette/#!/Obituary. The picture above was obtained from the 1960 HHS Memories yearbook, made available by the Lake County Public Library, at: https://archive.org/details/HOHS1960Images/.
