Barbara J. Freeman

Barbara J. Freeman

81, of Indianapolis died October 26, 2011 surrounded in love by her family. She was born in Oklahoma City, OK on March 29, 1930, to the late Herbert and Dorothy Heiman. She is predeceased by her brother, Alfred Robert Heiman.

Barbara is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Irving, and their children Lisa Freeman (Kevin Hardie), Patti Freeman Dorson (Roland), Martha Freeman and Ed Freeman (Laurie). She was understandably proud of her eight grandchildren who also survive: Ben Dorson, Michael Hardie, Daniel Dorson, Sarah Freeman, Rebecca Hardie, Max Freeman, Madelaine Leistikow and Justin Leistikow. She is also survived by her cousin and buddy, Nancy Logvin, and her cousin, Phil Gutentag, as well as other loving family members and many close friends. She wanted to remember her friend, Susan Maxwell.

Barbara graduated from Central High School in Oklahoma City and was a proud member of the "Red Skirts" pep club. She graduated from University of Texas and loved to cheer "Hook 'em 'Horns!" After college, Barbara worked as a stewardess for Braniff Airlines. She met Irving during her senior year at UT and they were married in 1952. Barbara continued studies at IUPUI and earned her designation as a CPA.

Barbara was a member of Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation and its Sisterhood and of the National Council of Jewish Women.

She has often been asked, "What did you do right that all four of your children stayed and raised their children in Indianapolis?" Her children can answer that question simply, "Mom and Dad have loved, encouraged and supported us and our children unconditionally. Together they demonstrated the value of family and the meaning of love. What more can we ask?"

The family would like to express its grateful thanks to caregivers Ada and Shawna and to hospice nurse, Gayla.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 30 at 2:00 pm at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, 6501 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis. Calling will take place at the home of Patti and Roland Dorson, 547 Holliday Lane, on Sunday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, with a minyan at 5:00 pm, and on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to one's charity of choice.