ESTELLE FREEDMAN

Estelle Freedman, age 93 passed away peacefully on Sunday morning at home. Born and raised in Larksville, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Dora Levinson. She graduated from Larksville High School as valedictorian in 1936 and received a full scholarship to attend College Misericordia, graduating 4 years later with a major in Chemistry and English. As a young girl, she worked alongside her father known as "the man who never refused the needy" in the store with the good name, "Levinson's General Store." She and her beloved husband Gerald continued its operation for fifty years until 1965. In 1962, Estelle began a second career, instructing senior English at Edwardsville High School where she was also the only Home Economics teacher. With the jointure to form the Wyoming Valley West School District, she became Chairman of the Home Economics Department and continued in that capacity until her retirement.

She was active in the Larksville Lions Club, and many Jewish organizations including Hadassah, the Jewish Community Center, Queen Esther Ladies Auxiliary, and Temple Israel where she was an Eternal Light member and recording secretary for its Sisterhood for decades.

She was an avid reader, and loved sewing, cooking, and baking, and providing its bounties to those around her. Many former students and colleagues still follow her recipes, and remember her kindness and concern. But, her chief joys were being wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years Gerald, and by dear sisters Bea and Gertrude.

She is survived by a grateful and adoring family: son Louis and his wife, Nancy, grandchildren Daniel and Michael, their spouses, three great-grandchildren, her sister Miriam and brother-in-law Julius, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 29 at 1 p.m. at the Rosenberg Funeral Chapel, 348 South River Street, Wilkes-Barre with Rabbi Larry Kaplan and Cantor Ahron Abraham officiating. Shiva will be observed at her home, 127 Park Place, Kingston: Tuesday and Saturday, 7-9 pm, and Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 pm.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. John Carey, the staff of Erwine Hospice and Griswold Agency, and especially Rachel, Carmelita, Millie, and Mama for their warmth and compassionate care for many years. Special thanks also to her neighbor Bob and to the entire staff of Associated O/Gyn Specialists for their helpfulness over the course of many years.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to Temple Israel or the charity of the donor's choice.

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