Frances Friedman of Marlboro passed away peacefully with her sons at her side on Thursday, June 14, 2018. The dear daughter of the late Carolyn and Sol Gerstel and beloved wife of the late Howard Friedman, she was the dedicated mother of Steven and Kenneth and loving grandmother of Benjamin and Cole.
Devoted to her family and friends, Fran was born and raised in Newark and grew up in the Weequahic section immortalized by Philip Roth, graduating from Weequahic High School. Unique for her generation, she was a college graduate, with a degree from Upsala College. She kept her intellect sharp as an avid bridge, canasta and Mah Jong player.
Fran and Howard were among the suburban pioneers who ventured from Essex County, settling into the wilds of Clark, while the concrete was still curing on the Garden State Parkway. They lived in Clark almost 30 years, where Fran and Howard were founding members of Temple Beth O’r.
Fran and Howard moved to Marlboro in 1985, where they were among the initial residents of Greenbrier North, one of New Jersey’s first active adult communities.
Whether in Newark, Clark or Marlboro, Fran developed and cherished a strong network of dear and long-lasting friendships.
Funeral services will be Monday at 11 am at Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapel, 44 Wilson Avenue, Manalapan. Interment will follow at Mount Lebanon Cemetery in Iselin. A period of mourning will be observed Monday and Tuesday at the family residence.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the American Cancer Society or the American Lung Association.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bloomfieldcoopermanalapan.com for the Friedman family.
