Dorothy Freedman

Dorothy Freedman died peacefully on October 14, 2018 after a long productive life. Dorothy was born in Belarus Russia to Evsey and Sarah Diamond. She arrived on Ellis Island with her parents and seven siblings in 1925. Dorothy was raised in Lincoln, Nebraska and graduated from Lincoln High School with high honors. She moved to New York City, and while there met the love of her life, Harold Rance. The couple returned to Nebraska and had three children: Sharon, Byron and Naomi. Dorothy and Harold worked side by side in the family grocery store. Her beloved Harold died at age 46 leaving her to raise her three children as a single mother. Dorothy willingly entered the work force to support her family. Having excelled on a civil service exam she became a secretary, and in the evenings addressed envelopes on her manual typewriter for extra income. After raising her three children she was fortunate to meet Al Freedman in l973 a lucky bachelor who swept her off her feet. They married and she moved to Los Angeles where they had many happy years together. She was hired by the VA Hospital in Los Angeles where she found a calling for which she was uniquely suited. Dorothy worked for the Department of Decedent Affairs and became the go-to person for tracking down surviving relatives, arranging funerals and obtaining permission for autopsies. She received many honors and many scores of letters from families that she helped through the VA process. Sadly, her husband Al had a stroke and Dorothy lovingly took care of him for six years until his death in l995. She retired from her work at the VA Hospital at age 76. A job well done! Dorothy spent her final years in Houston Texas enjoying many activities such as going to the symphony, Broadway shows, playing poker, and dancing to a beat. She was voted prom queen at two retirement homes. She was very interested in Jewish Current events and loved speaking Yiddish with friends. She had a keen sense of humor and was loved by all. Even though her memory faded during the last six years, glimpses of her humor continued until her death. She wanted to look good every day - a nice outfit with matching jewelry and full make-up. She was preceded in death by her parents, all eight siblings, her son Byron, and husbands Harold Rance and Al Freedman. Dorothy leaves behind her loving daughters Sharon Rance and Naomi Rance (Nate McMullen) and daughter-in-law Anne Rance. She also leaves her granddaughters Barbara Hammer (Eric), Stephanie Helfman (Daniel) Rochelle Cabe (James) and Sarah McMullen and six great-grandchildren, Alana and Ethan Hammer, Benjamin and Olivia Helfman, Miccah and Brynn Cabe. The family would like to thank the staff of Atria Westchase, Autumn Leaves Memorial City, and her companions Evelyn, Maria, Lilliana and Erika for their loving care. Those wishing to make a contribution in her name can make donations to the Lymphoma Research Center at the MD Anderson Cancer Center or The National Council of Jewish Women Greater Houston Section.

Dorothy Freedman

September 15, 1918 - October 14, 2018