Shirley L. Friedman

Shirley Lou Friedman, 87, of Lower Burrell, died Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at home with her sons by her side. She was born in 1930 in New Kensington and graduated from Ford City High School in 1947. Upon graduation, she worked as a secretary at the Aluminum Company of America office in New Kensington until she married Leonard Friedman in 1955 and they started a family in Lower Burrell. Mrs. Friedman was tirelessly devoted to her family throughout her life. In addition to lovingly raising their children while her husband worked long hours and travelled extensively, she also served as the Secretary/Treasurer of his company, Len Friedman Associates, Inc. until her retirement. Mrs. Friedman enjoyed a lifetime of watching the old, classic movies and movie stars of yesteryear. She possessed an almost encyclopedic memory of the history of Hollywood and its greatest films. She always relished a challenging crossword puzzle, and was an accomplished recreational mah-jongg and cards player. Mrs. Friedman was an active member of the former Beth Jacob Congregation in New Kensington and its Sisterhood and Hadassah, and is a current member of Adat Shalom in Cheswick. While her dementia robbed her of a great many things over the last twenty years, she maintained her dignity to the end, and was appreciated and loved by all who were fortunate to know her quiet, kind and gentle nature. Mrs. Friedman is survived by her sons: Mark (Emily) Friedman of Silver Spring, MD and Jeff Friedman of Lower Burrell; and her grandsons: Lev Friedman of Israel and Sam Friedman of Silver Spring, MD.  Mrs. Friedman was preceded in death by her daughter, Dori in 1984; her husband of 52 years, Leonard in 2007; and her parents, Helen Vonderkall McMahon and Louis Sakulsky. Burial will be private and handled by ROSS G. WALKER FUNERAL HOME LTD. of New Kensington. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests consideration of a contribution to a charity of choice in her memory.

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