Lillian Friedman

Lillian Friedman, a dear and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2010, six days short of her 95th birthday. Lillian was an extraordinary human being known for her sweet spirit and loving, gentle nature. She was a renaissance woman: an accomplished business woman, a well-recognized humanitarian, a world traveler and life-long learner. Most importantly, she was the selfless matriarch of her family. Her kind spirit and unconditional love touched all those she met.

Born in Chicago, Illinois on November 24, 1915, she was the oldest of four siblings. At the age of 21, she met the love of her life, Ben Friedman. During their 65 years of marriage, they enjoyed a remarkable and adventurous life. After starting their family in Chicago, they moved to Meridian, Mississippi and then settled in Jacksonville, Florida in 1949, which became their permanent home. Lillian and Ben started a very successful women’s apparel chain in 1950 called The Vogue Shops. Lillian enjoyed regularly traveling to such places as New York City and Hong Kong as an executive buyer. In 1990, as the company reached its 40th anniversary, the Friedmans retired having created a clothing business which spanned the entire Southeast.

Lillian was a well-respected member of the community. She and her husband were very active in supporting the Jewish community and, in particular, the Beth Shalom Synagogue. They were also very active in the Jacksonville arts community as regular patrons of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and the Alhambra Dinner Theatre.

In addition to her community involvement, Lillian enjoyed life to the fullest with a wide-array of interests and talents. She had an insatiable appetite for music, arts, history and geography. Lillian also had a natural love of music which enabled her to play the piano fluently by ear. She was a tremendous cook, gardener, seamstress and conversationalist. Her wisdom, wonderful sense of humor, genuine interest in people, and zest for life were unforgettable.

Lillian, affectionately referred to as “Meme,” was cherished and tremendously loved by her family. Her devotion to her family was unparalleled as she always put them first. She was predeceased by her husband, Ben, and her daughter, Ronnie Rosenbaum. She is survived by her daughter Mary Selber (Leonard); son, Mark Friedman (Roberta); 8 grandchildren including Beth Angelo, Laurie Bauguss, Allison Brody, Ben Fink, Cary Friedman, Michael Friedman, Julie Kaufman and David Selber; 12 great-grandchildren including Aidan, Amy, Bradley, David, Garrett, Jacob, Jeremy, Joseph, Julia, Lillie, Matthew and Robert; and sister-in-law, Evie Edwards.

Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday (today), November 19, 2010 at the Beth Shalom Cemetery (located in Evergreen Cemetery off Winona Road at Gate 5) with Rabbi Martin Sandberg and Cantor Richard Browdy officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Avenue.