Joanna M. Orem

Joanna M. Orem, 94, of Shelbyville passed away Friday, September 18, 2009 at Heritage House Convalescent Center. Born January 16, 1915, in Freedom, Indiana, she was the daughter of James M. and Jennie M. (McIntosh) Pierce. She married Wray Orem on February 11, 1933, and he preceded her in death on January 18, 1998. She is survived by her son, Jamie (wife, Janet) Orem of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Cristi (husband, Jim) Vanes of LaPorte, Indiana, Jon (wife, Sharon) Orem and Andrew (wife, Tammy) Orem both of Shelbyville; great-grandchildren, Joshua Orem, Tyler Orem, Brady Vanes, Zach Vanes, Maggie Vanes, Ben Orem, Mitch Orem, Abby Orem and Grace Orem. She was also preceded in death by her parents; and brother, James H. Pierce. Mrs. Orem moved to Shelbyville in the 1930's. She had been a teacher in Shelbyville and Shelby County schools. Mrs. Orem was a member of Fishers of Men Lutheran Church and attended First Presbyterian Church in Shelbyville; she was also a member of Eastern Star in Shelbyville and Junior Coterie. She graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1933 and from Central Normal College. Mrs. Orem enjoyed her grandchildren. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with Pastor Mark Morningstar officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Abiding Fund at First Presbyterian Church, 124 W. Broadway St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.