Joanie Frey

1941 - 2013

Joanie Frey obituary, 1941-2013, Leawood, KS

FUNERAL HOME

McGilley State Line Chapel

12301 State Line Road

Kansas City, Missouri

Joanie Frey Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 9, 2013.

JOAN FREY OBITUARY
Joanie D. Frey, 72, of Leawood died at her home Monday, April 8 following a long battle with cancer.
She was born in Kansas City, MO, September 12, 1941, daughter of Dr. Mark and Pauline Heller, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, William Frey, and a brother, John Heller, of California.

She graduated from the Barstow School in 1959 and later attended the University of Oklahoma. A realtor by trade and a top producer for J D Reece and later Reece Nichols for over 30 years where she led the company in sales in 1989, Mrs. Frey is best known for her work with the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs and her long association with the teams' players and families.

Mrs. Frey began her professional career working at Menorah Medical Center and later assumed responsibilities in the promotions department of the Kansas City Chiefs in 1972 and in public relations for the Royals in 1974. A child prodigy on the piano, she became for a time the organist for Royals' home games during the early 1980s. She is perhaps best known for her work as George Brett's personal assistant, a post she held from the first days the future Hall of Fame player came to Kansas City in 1973. In that role, she handled the young Brett's bills, coordinated his appearances and later became God parent to he and wife Leslie's first born son, Jackson.

"All my playing days were made easier because of Joanie," Brett said following news of her death. "She handled all things important and not important for me. She became part of my family and like a second mom to me."

Indeed, Mrs. Frey became part of many players' families over her lifetime, searching for living accommodations and schools as players and their families arrived in Kansas City. Among her closest friends were the families of Royals Hall of Fame players Bret Saberhagen and Mark Gubicza. She did likewise for Chiefs players where she developed close relationships with Ed Podolak, Marty and Pat Schottenheimer and Donnie and Kathryn Edwards among others.

Friends will be received at a celebration of her life at a gathering at Mission Hills Country Club on Friday, April 19 will start at 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, 9221 Ward Parkway, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64114.

Condolences may be left online at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?

April 11, 2019

Friend

Gigi Bollard

Joanie was a wonderful woman. She made everyone feel so special, like you were the only one in the room. She is deeply missed.

April 3, 2019

Friend

Les & Joyce Miller

We think of Joanie often and remember so many good times with her ! Such a great friend !

September 18, 2013

Having known Joanie in the mid-70s in Kansas City, but having moved around a bit since then, I was deeply saddened when informed of her passing just this week. Joanie was someone who was completely & totally driven in the quest to help others, and I am just so personally disappointed we had not kept in better touch. God bless this wonderful person.

Doug Kelly [Sacramento, CA]

May 5, 2013

Joanie, You were always so full of life!! Whenever we met through social or selling each other's listings, you were always so full of life, full of POSITIVE energy. You radiated happiness and joy. You were a pro and a pure pleasure to work with. My prayers are with your friends and family. You will be missed. Chuck Jansen

April 30, 2013

Shelia Hampton

Dear Sweet Joanie,
I am so sad you are gone and that I just found out make me terribly sad.
You gave me my first BIG listing of a Royals player in Lee's Summit Missouri
I had never had a listing over $300K and this was over $500K. I was in heaven. You have always been so very special. People say they want to be like someone...well you are my someone!

April 20, 2013

Dear Bill,

You and Joanie are two of the nicest people I ever met through real estate or otherwise. I will never forget when our daughter, Lauren was so sick and was confined to a hospital bed in our home. You and Joanie brought over a portable piano at Christmas time and Joanie played beautiful music for our family and friends. It made Lauren so happy and brought joy to our family when everything seemed so fragile in so many other ways. That is a memory that we will never forget.

Joanie, had many talents but I think her greatest talent was her beautiful heart and how she offered it to anyone. She made a person feel so special by her attentiveness and her ability to recall details about you or your loved ones any time you saw her. That always amazed me! There are people in this world that you can't imagine the world going on without. Joanie is one of them.

Our prayers are with you, Bill.

With much love,

Debbye, Bob, Lauren and Morgan

April 18, 2013

Joannie was the best. I still see her flying through Bess's office on ward parkway and then on. Friendly and helpful always. Sorry to lose her bu it is good to know that she is at peace.
By best to all her family especially her very nice husband.

Sincerely

Edie Jo Scavuzzo Realtor

April 18, 2013

Sherry Bonomo

So sorry to hear, thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.

April 17, 2013

Anita Chaplick

Dear Joanie, I still cannot believe you are no longer here. You had a presence larger than life and were just the best person. Every time we saw each other was fun - you were truly a ray of sunshine. Your piano playing was a sight to behold. Rest in peace dear friend - you will be missed and cannot be replaced.

April 17, 2013

Candace Sloop

I met Joanie years ago when she sold one of my listings. She was such a wonderful person to deal with and what an inspiration to us all! Joanie was FIRST CLASS all the way! Such a WONDERFUL Lady!

April 17, 2013

God bless you Joanie, you were a very special lady to all of us, Sandie Lopez

April 17, 2013

I was so sad to hear of Joannie's passing. She was one of the most interesting people I have ever met. Her heart was always full of kindness and she had a real zest for life! It was an honor and a privilege to have known her. She will be greatly missed by everyone in the real estate community and beyond.
God Bless,
Brenda Sanders
Leawood, KS

April 17, 2013

Jo Kolar

Joanie was one of my favorite agents of all times. Although she was a most successful agent, she alway had time for the "new" agents questions and was oh, so, friendly--always. We shall miss her.

April 17, 2013

Robin Meyers

Joanie was such a spirited and cheerful person, always a delight to be around. She lived life to its fullest and always had a smile on her face. She will be missed by many.

April 17, 2013

Terry Moseley Benson

I will always remember Joanie as one of the most fun realtors I worked with and as a joy to be with. I'm so sorry for your loss. Terry Moseley Benson

April 16, 2013

Brent Sledd

Bill, you know how much I adored Joanie! I always enjoyed talking to her so much, and I will miss her! My deepest sympathy and prayers to you!

April 16, 2013

Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. Joan was a terrific lady.

Maria and Nestor Zuluaga.

April 16, 2013

Bill- So sorry for your loss. This leaves a huge void in everyone's lives who knew her. As you of all people know, Joanie was one in a million and didn't know a stranger. She was always so genuine to us and our family though we only knew her professionally. She always asked about our son Ben and how he was doing as if he was one of her own. She truly cared for people. Our world,her friends and family will truly miss her. -Rick and Susan Bowers

April 16, 2013

Lynda McClelland

May Joanie D. Frey's soul rest in peace.
McClelland Real Estate LLC

April 16, 2013

jodi kaplan kleweno

Bill,
Joanie's spirit always lifted everyone around her!! I loved her spunk and hearing her play the piano. Joseph still talks about meeting you both and showing off his George Brett project. Joanie was always a bright ray of sunshine in my life and I loved hearing her stories. Her love of life was contagious. Rest in peace Joanie you are the brightest star in heaven. Love Jodi Kaplan Kleweno

April 16, 2013

Michael Potchad

I always enjoyed talking sports, etc. with Joanie at the office. Such a joy to be around.

April 16, 2013

I am so saddened to hear of Joanie's passing. She was always upbeat and a pleasure to work with. What an incredble life story she had! Everyone had nothing but good things to say about her. What a loss.
Peggy Hellings Overland Park, KS

April 15, 2013

Lori Inman

Joanie was always upbeat and a pleasure to be around every time I saw her! She will be missed!!

April 15, 2013

jim lindsey

I remember what great fun she was when we worked in the same office.She will be missed.

April 15, 2013

Myrna & Bernie Gelphman

We are so sad to learn of Joanie's passing. She was a good friend and we will always remember her.

April 15, 2013

Nancy Tomassi

I am Nancy Levitt Tomassi. Joan's mom and my mom were first cousins. I have fond memories of Joan as I was growing up. We lived near each other so our families were often together. I remember a leather, hooded jacket Joanie passed down to me that I wore throughout high school. Though we had lost touch over the years, I am sad to hear of her passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

April 15, 2013

Les & Joyce Miller

So sorry to hear of Joanie'passing. When we moved to Kansas City in 1975 , she literally became a part of our family.She was so helpful in our adjustment to a new area, and remained a trusted friend for life. A truly unique and talented lady, she was so willing to help in any way needed. Bill, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Joanie was loved and will be missed by so many people.
Les, Joyce, and the entire Miller Family

April 15, 2013

Bill we are so sorry for your loss, Joanie was a very special personSharon & Carl Ade

April 15, 2013

Emily Jennings

Joanie was the most unique person I have ever known. So full of energy, intelligence and fun. She was very loyal to all she loved. I, too, witnessed her piano playing that she did behind her back and backwards. What a marvel! This was only one of many talents. She will be missed by many.

April 14, 2013

Sonya Adams-Koss

Bill, I am so sorry to hear about Joanie's passing. I'm Soni Adams, Louise Adams' youngest daughter. My mom loved Joanie so much and I know how much she loved my mom. She was her best friend. She was so loyal, continuing to be a part of our family long after my mom was gone. I can imagine their reunion, as I'm sure my mom was waiting at the gates of Heaven for her. She was an amazing lady and touched so many people. My prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time. In prayer, Sonya Adams-Koss

April 14, 2013

circa 1984 - Ken and I hosted a house party. The highlight of the evening was Joanie sitting on the floor with her back to the piano, her arms up over her head, playing the piano like a mistro. She was so incredibly talented. Bill, we are so sorry you are without your Joanie. You are in our prayers. God Bless you and God's Speed Joanie...
Ken and Margie Hapke

April 14, 2013

Barbara Wintroub

I am so sorry to hear about Joanie's passing. I grew up with Joanie. Our mother's were pregnant together and Joanie's father was my dad's doctor. Even though we hadn't spoken in years, I have wonderful memories of Joanie. I am so sorry for your loss.
Barbara Wintroub

April 14, 2013

Mindy Lindeman

God bless you Joanie Frey! Truly a special person.

April 14, 2013

Gigi Bollard

Bill, I am so sorry for your loss. Joanie was one in a millon!

April 14, 2013

Joanie, "Fireball," has been one of my best friends and favorite people for almost 50 years. She was so mentally quick, had a remarkable memory, gifted and talented in a number of areas, but, best of all, I always felt special when I was around her because she was such a ray of sunshine in my life. She was a remarkable person, an outstanding friend, and a definite catalyst for making people feel good. Be still my hear, "Fireball!" Sandra Radom

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