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.
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