Jessica Ruth Friedlander, born on January 5, 1937, passed away on March 2, 2025 at age 88. She was the most beloved wife of 62 years of Michael W. Friedlander (z’’l) and the very loving mother of Rachel (Neil z’’l) Tickner, Silver Spring, MD and David (Sheryl) Friedlander, Kensington, MD. Her dear grandchildren, Noah Friedlander, Jonathan Tickner, and Rafael Friedlander, adored her.
Jessica was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob (Jack) and Belle Kramer of Mount Vernon, New York, and her brother, Arnold Guy Kramer, of Lexington, Massachusetts.
Jessica was born in Brooklyn, New York and grew up in Mount Vernon, a suburb just north of Manhattan. She excelled academically (graduated second in her class of 420) and was involved in myriad musical activities (principal flute in band and orchestra; piano accompanist for five groups, including two Gilbert & Sullivan operettas, leading to a lifelong love of G&S).
Jessica received a Bachelor’s Degree with Distinction in harpsichord and piano from the Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester) in 1957 and a Master’s degree in music education from the University of Illinois a year later. She taught music at the Conway School in Ladue for several years in the late 1950s and early 1960s. A decade or so later, she was the harpsichordist for the Washington University Camerata, an original instruments baroque performance group.
For more than 20 years she was a preschool director, first at Temple Israel Nursery School and later at the Ethical Society Nursery School, where she brought her caring nature; support of students, parents, and teachers alike; and high standards. All that, plus the added benefit of first-rate preschool music lessons!
After she retired, she was a long-time docent/interpreter for children’s groups at the Missouri Historical Society and the Missouri Botanical Garden. And she applied her knowledge and love of gardening to design and tend to the Bais Abraham front garden that greeted everyone.
Throughout her life, she drew people to her and maintained friendships across decades with her warm hospitality and sweet presence. Her memory is a blessing to all who knew her.
Services: The funeral will be held on Wed., March 5, at 10 a.m. Central Time at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132. It will also be live-streamed - please see below for details.
Memorial contributions can be made to Bais Abraham Congregation, the Missouri Botanical Garden, or the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry.
