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Judi Friedman Obituary
Judi and Lou Friedman passed away peacefully at their home on Monday, July 25, 2016. They are survived by their three children: Kim Friedman (Vermont), Dana Friedman (California) and Seth Friedman (Vermont); their children's spouses; and four grandchildren. Judi and Lou lived full lives characterized by passion, political activism, a commitment to family, and strongly-held beliefs about the pressing social, economic and political issues of our time. They relished lively debates with friends and family on topics ranging from energy policy to the upcoming Presidential election. Their strong identification as global citizens was reinforced by extensive travel within and outside the United States. After teaching third grade for five years, Judi devoted herself to raising her children. In her thirties, she discovered writing non-fiction children's books as a way to combine her love for young children, her love of nature, and her concern for the environment. She published nine books over the course of thirty years. One environmental book geared for elementary-aged children was published in numerous countries, including the former Soviet Union, Costa Rica and Bermuda. In her capacity as the chairperson of People's Action for Clean Energy (PACE), Judi devoted many hours over four decades to educating Connecticut residents about the dangers of nuclear power and promoting solar power as a viable alternative. After teaching English at Kingswood-Oxford School in West Hartford, Connecticut, Lou founded Westledge School in Simsbury, Connecticut, in 1968. The school, which was on the cutting edge of progressive education at the time, touched the lives of many students, faculty and trustees in meaningful ways that are still felt today. After leaving Westledge, Lou and Judi were on the forefront of the citizen's peace movement in the former Soviet Union. This grassroots effort to end the Cold War and build new relationships between Soviet and U.S. citizens focused on annual exchanges over many years in the former Soviet Union and in the U.S. These exchanges led to some of Judi and Lou's closest friends, both in the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Still concerned about the threat of nuclear weapons, Judi, Lou and several colleagues from the peace movement co-founded Beyond Nuclear, a national nonprofit organization that is working for a nuclear-free world. Judi and Lou's children and grandchildren will miss their parents and grandparents every day and are grateful for many happy memories and shared experiences. A memorial service for Judi and Lou will be held on Sunday, July 31. Please see www.carmonfuneralhome.com for details. In lieu of flowers, please consider making an online donation to People's Action for Clean Energy (http://www.pace-cleanenergy.org/) or Beyond Nuclear (www.beyondnuclear.org).
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Memories and Condolences
for Judi Friedman
Sponsored by the family.
Eileen Hepp
January 9, 2017
I have fond memories of The Lou And Judith Friedman family. I
Many years ago I worked for a managing partner of the firm that handled some accounts for the family. What a nice couple. My prayers and peace for them and all who knew and loved them.
Theresa Hryckvich
October 7, 2016
I am so sorry to hear this news. Judi and Lou were amazing people. They were the most kind and loving people I have ever met. I enjoyed the time I spent with them and I'm really going to miss them. My deepest condolences to their family from mine.Theresa, Nina and Victor Hryckvich
& Family
Paula Miklave
September 27, 2016
Dear Kim, Dana, Seth and families,
You probably don't remember me, but I was one of your after-school babysitters when Kim was in first grade and Dana and Seth were little tykes. Your mom was my third grade teacher and oh, how I adored her! She inspired me to become a teacher myself, teaching fifth grade in New Hampshire for 41 years. I just learned of your parents passing from another former student and I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I will always remember all of you and how much fun I had helping to care for you after school let out for the day. My love and prayers go out to all of you. Sincerely, Paula Miklave
Melody Febbroriello
August 5, 2016
Dear Kim, Dana, Seth and Tom: I am so sorry to hear about your mom and dad. I was a student at Cherry Brook Elementary School in the 50's and had Mrs. Friedman for my third grade teacher. I think my class might have been her first class that she taught. Hands down she was my favorite teacher in that school. I loved her!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.Melody Adams Febbrorielloi
Joseph Ford
August 4, 2016
Golder Family
August 3, 2016
The Golder family send their condolences to the Friedman family for the passing of their matriarch and patriarch. We hope that now, and as time goes on, all of the loving and happy memories that your family has had together stay with you, warm you, and continue to sustain and inspire you. It is very clear that how Judi and Lou Friedman lived their lives, has had, and will continue to have long-lasting positive impact on the lives of many others.
JoAnne Bauer
August 1, 2016
My profound condolences to the family of Judi and Lou. And my most sincere gratitude for the memorial service yesterday; I was deeply touched and profoundly inspired by every aspect of it. Especially the sharing of family memories was a gift to the community that Lou & Judi created around them and which must continue their great works. May love and compassion embrace your loss.
August 1, 2016
Dana, Kim and Seth,
My wife Victoria and I received a great gift when your parents called us for assistance in transportation to their medical appointments. As difficult as it was to witness their health struggles, it was also a great pleasure to be in their company. We knew Judi and Lou for a short time; however, we could sit down with anyone and express endlessly the kindness of their natures.
In spite of their daily struggles with pain, they still managed to set up a connection between our daughter and one of their colleagues for an internship. Our daughter attends Michigan State pursuing a degree in criminal justice. For her to find herself immersed in the world of nuclear energy is something none of us would have imagined. We know this is the kind of magic worked by two people full of love and compassion for others always willing to give.
Our hearts are broken knowing we will not see them again. We will
forever be full with the love and admiration we have for Judi and Lou.
Richard and Victoria Garden-Eden
Kurt Hohmeister
August 1, 2016
Dear Friedman Family,
I am also a Westledge graduate as is my wife Julie. Westledge shaped me in more ways than I could have imagined. If it wasnât for Lou and his vision I would not be the same person I am today. I canât thank Lou enough and several years ago I wrote Lou to thank him for his contribution to my and my wifeâs life and of course he responded with a very thoughtful and warm letter.
In many of my everyday choices I sense Westledgeâs influence. I have been teaching at a community college for over 30 years and I donât think a day goes by where something I learned at Westledge doesnât come bubbling up and gets turned into a lesson. I even subconsciously built my house to look like Westledge. I would also like to note that my wife and I have two children which makes them pure bread Westledgians. The story continues.
There needs to be more people like your parents in this world. The world is a better place because of them. Thank you.
Kurt Hohmeister
Matt Josephson
August 1, 2016
Dear Dana, Seth and Kim,
I also spent time at Westledge, coming from huge difficulties with school and myself. The whole concept of Westledge calmed me down quite a bit. I also received special counseling arranged by people from Westledge. Your father and mother gave me a gift that really helped me and so many others. God Bless You All and know we will always remember them as they live in all of us.
Matt Josephson
Diana Plourde
July 30, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew your parents when they used to come in to see one of their doctors. They were always so pleasant and would always tell one of their adventures. My prayers are with you all.
Nevin
July 30, 2016
Lou and Judi (the movie). I can see a full length movie about their amazing lives. It would be amazing story of their adventures around the world to do good things for people. It's a movie about perseverance, struggle, joy and love. The movie would take peoples emotions from the horror of Chernobyl to the joy of having children and True Love where Judi called Lou her "boyfriend" right up till the end when they exited this earthly plane together. It would show two people that moved mountains and did what they knew in their hearts was the right thing to do to leave Planet Earth better off for their brief time on it.
There is no death. Judi and Lou are angels soaring with eagles. Yes I will never again give big Teddy Bear Lou a hug in his wheel chair and when Judi would call on the phone I will not be able to make her laugh like crazy, , just by saying "HELLO JUDI" with rather exaggerated enthusiasm. But I thank GOD for blessing me with their presence in my life and they will live in my heart forever.
Minister Phyllis McMeans
July 29, 2016
My sincere condolences to the entire family. I so wish I had the pleasure of meeting your Mother and Father. I'm sure it would have been a memorable experience. May God bless you all.
Alex Kuzma
July 29, 2016
Lou and Judi were two of the most loving, giving, caring people ever to walk the Earth. Working from this little corner of Connecticut, they leveraged incredible resources to promote clean energy technology across the country and to defend the environment against the ravages of nuclear radiation. After the Chornobyl nuclear disaster in 1986, they helped the Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund secure hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant money and private gifts, to create neonatal intensive care units in Ukraine. With their friends in PACE, and their allies across the country, they helped to save the lives of scores, if not hundreds of newborns who suffered from birth defects and low birth weight. They were also great subscribers to Dostoyevsky's adage that "beauty will save the world", and helped to inspire many of us as patrons of the arts and music. Their work with Promoting Enduring Peace is still a model for citizen diplomacy. Our Ukrainian-American community is deeply grieved by their departure.
Donna Finn
July 29, 2016
To all I am so sorry for the loss of your parents and grandparents. My son David Finn had attended their wonderful camp years ago and learned so much from them. Judi and Lou always welcomed everyone with opened arms. Two wonderful people who will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting them.
Cheryl Janer
July 29, 2016
In 2003, I answered an ad in the Foothills Trader. A Canton couple, political and environmental activists, were looking for someone part-time to do various clerical tasks. I went to their home for an interview and thought it went pretty well. I don't know how many people they interviewed, but Judi called me a few days later and told me that as I was leaving their house, she spotted the anti-war bumper sticker on my car and that made their decisionI was hired! Thirteen years and so many interesting projects later, I was still working for these wonderful people and we had become friends as well. I'm very glad they were in my lifethat I had that bumper sticker on my car! Saying I miss them doesn't even begin to describe it. Godspeed Judi and Lou.
Cheryl
Ronald Buonomano MD
July 29, 2016
To Dana Seth and Kim. My wife and I are deeply saddened by the death of your beloved parents. The void created by their passing will be filled with fond memories of times past. Their everlasting love will guide you through these most difficult times. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.We hold Judi and Lou close to our hearts and will forever cherish our memories of them.
Sincerely,
Ron and Lorraine Buonomano
Jerry Maher
July 29, 2016
Seth, Dana, and Kim,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My mother and father ( Ruth and Jim Maher) were very fond of your parents. Mom taught with Judi for several years at Cherry Brook
and they became very close. I can remember them talking on the phone for hours discussing improvements to the curriculum. Your parents were unique and the world will miss them
Global Circle of Friends
Peggy MacLeod
July 28, 2016
Dear Kim, Seth, and Dana,
I am so, so sorry for your loss. I am sending you and your families my vision of a vibrant Circle, made up of a global community of Judi and Lou's friends, surrounding their infinite spirits with our love and admiration.
I feel so fortunate to have met your mom in 1992 when I didn't have much of a meaningful or interesting direction in my life. From the time Judi invited me to help put stamps on PACE envelopes and then join the PACE board of *outstanding* individuals, I felt drawn to Lawton Road over and over where I learned how to put caring into action from such a compassionate and brilliant a woman. I am grateful for Judi's early mentoring that guided me to other talented mentors and passionate bridge-builders, that led to being confident enough to dare to write successful grants, build a green home, help start a regional non-profit to promote green building, and finally to build a career with a wonderful environmental organization here in western MA.
And I will be forever grateful to Lou and Judi for introducing me to their important global work for creating peace and for preventing more Chernobyls. For decades they showed hundreds of ordinary people like me how to ACT and how to build grass roots coalitions toward a cleaner, safer energy future that benefits all creatures.
I genuinely wonder where I would be today if I hadn't had the chance to eat brownies and lick stamps many times in the Friedman's living room during planning meetings with the dedicated PACE gang! All my love to you.
Anita Ford Saunders
July 29, 2016
As I sit here with tears in my eyes at this unthinkable loss, I grieve for Kim, Dana and Seth. I grieve for us all but am so thankful that Lou and Judi touched our lives. Our lives have been so enriched by their presence, their love, their wisdom and courage. Their work breathed life into so many when many of us thought there was no chance of breathing again. Their compassion and perseverance gave opportunities to those who sometimes only thought moment to moment and are now able to look at the future and our differences as blessings. Gone too soon...yes but it will be our loss if we do not take what they shared and pass it on. Westledge Lives!
Dori Smith
July 28, 2016
Judi and Lou Friedman were kind, honest, loving, generous, magnanimous, wise, and good. Add all of the other words used to define what makes the human race wonderful.
Thank you for all that you did and for being an inspiration.
Tim Black
July 28, 2016
Lou Friedman was a giant of a man whose impact on my life has been enormous. I am a Westledge graduate - I attended for four years - and the experience has had a profound impact on me throughout my years. I surely didn't appreciate it at the time, but the act of starting and leading this school must have been a gargantuan and in many ways thankless undertaking. I wasn't as familiar with Judy's role in the institution but apparently they were co-conspirators in many things. I can only say that I know that I am not alone in attributing much of my success in life, and my attitudes toward society, politics, family, social change, and the importance of courage and perseverance in the face of opposition, to my experiences at Westledge, for which Lou was largely responsible. Thank you for your life.Tim Black
Heiko Schmitt
July 28, 2016
Dear Dana, Seth, and Kim;One of my mentors taught me that we as physicians have to be the light in our patient's rooms. With Judy and Lou it was the opposite. They were the light and full of love and joy when they entered the room despite their tremendous suffering. This world has lost two amazing human beings, people we so desparatly need. Words cannot describe the sadness and sorrow and the hole Judi and Lou leave behind that cannot be filled. I have not met so genuinely loving people who are so engaged in their environment who go beyond what is necessary and needed. Their love was contiguous and one could not help but to embrace them. When we met discussions went well beyond their immediate health issues but pivoted always back to issues that were dear to their hearts including my own and Sherine's wellbeing. My deepest condolences.LoveHeiko and Sherine Schmitt
tstrum
July 28, 2016
This breaks my heart. I'm in that older age group (like Joel Gordes and Nevin, Dave Sinish and others) who hung out with these two extraordinary people for most of the past 40 years. Like many of you I was there at the begining of PACE and Westledge and met Lou and Judi at some anti-nuke party or other. I saw Judi recently and typically she told me she loved me but I had to give more money to PACE and she was of course right. I remember when each of you kids were born and how your folks doubled down on working to make the Earth an OK place for your generation. In the end, I've been able to do all that I've done in energy efficiency and clean energy because I could feel Judi and Lou had my back - as have the afore-mentioned Joel, Nevin, et al. Well as Judi would say, time to grow up, step up, crank it up and make some goddam good things happen, in their memory, for the sake of our kids and grandkids. I have honest tears on the keyboard...
July 27, 2016
Few people in my life gave me advice for which I did not question. Judi was one. She mixed toughness with charm ... a combination I found impossible to ignore. Her relentless push for greater deployment of clean energy, solar electric power in particular, was an inspiration. As she exited Pace earlier this month I missed by chance to tell Judi in person just how much I trusted her judgement. How many state residents today benefit from solar as a result of her passion for doing what's right for the environment. Judi will forever be known as Connecticut's First Lady of Solar.
Mike Trahan
Executive Director
SolarConnecticut, Inc.
Sharon Gusky
July 27, 2016
Judi and Lou were wonderful neighbors and friends. It saddens me that they are no longer with us. I learned a lot from them, greatly admired them and will miss them dearly.
Margaret Pinton
July 27, 2016
Dear Kim, Dana. Seth,
Your parents were the hands and feet of God - caring about and actively helping their neighbors, the community, the environment.
YOU are blessed to have them as parents. We are blessed to have had them in this community. Peggy
Barbara Snow-Riiska
July 27, 2016
At the age of 9 years old I first met Judi as my 3rd grade teacher at Cherry Brook Elementary School. Even then she was one of the most caring and inspirational people I have ever known. My Mother also got to know and love Judi and Lou as well as Kim, Dana and Seth through her 25 or so years of domestic employment taking care of their home. After she retired it became an annual event that our family and the Friedman's celebrated Christmas Eve together. It was a tradition remembered by all.
So to Kim, Dana and Seth - from all of my family, especially my Parents, Lena & Dudley Snow, please accept our sincerest condolences on the passing of your Mom & Dad. May they both rest in peace and their memories continue on forever
william burling
July 27, 2016
Lou was my english teacher at Kingswood. He was extraordinary. Energy, encouraged thinking and expression. I may have left his class back in the early sixties, but his influence never left me.
July 27, 2016
SAlly and Hoyt Goodrich are deeply saddened! We have been friends with them and their families for many years. WE hope to attend their service on Sunday...MUch love to you all
Paul Gionfriddo
July 27, 2016
Kim, Seth, and Dana,
Your parents were my friends for more than forty years. Today, that doesn't feel long enough for me. What they did for our planet was nothing short of amazing. They enriched life. I am so glad they were a part of mine.
John D Calandrelli
July 27, 2016
True environmental champions for decades but more than that, they were the most gracious people I've known; whether welcoming you to their home or discussing issues. I have only known them for the last 13 years but they were both living examples that show not all treasure is silver and gold. Sad day for the world....
David Sinish
July 27, 2016
Dear Kim, Dana , Seth and your families,Carrie and I are very saddened by their passing. We knew them through our involvement with PACE and environmental issues in the Farmington Valley. The relationship that they had with each other, and the care for others that they so freely demonstrated, is a standard to which we all should aspire. They leave a large void in the environmental community. We must all be driven to become stronger and better educated advocates. Their legacy will be continued.Thanks to them I am writing this on a 94 degree day in a solar powered air-conditioned home.
Peter A Bender
July 27, 2016
Dear Kim Dana and Seth-
Anne and I send our deepest condolences to you and your families on the loss of your Mum and Dad. It was a distinct privilege to be in their presence and feel the magic of their kindness compassion and grace.
What remarkable loving people!
Remembering the pleasure of their company and friendship always.
Warmest regards,
Peter A Bender and Anne M Ostberg
Joel Gordes
July 27, 2016
Dear Kim, Dana and Seth,As I think you all know, I have long known your folks and they have always been a source of support and I have appreciated the faith they have shown in me. It was just about three days ago an unexpected e-mail of support from your mom arrived about an article I wrote and explained back to her that what it really needed was a REAL writer like her and how maybe next time we could work Jelly Jam into it. They were always like that, taking the time to support people and surely they did that for innumerable other people who will remember their dedication and kindness.
Pam
July 27, 2016
Dear Kim, Dana and Seth:
I knew your parents as neighbors and through CARE and PACE. I was happy to see Judi a few months ago and spent time with her on my property, where she met my dog and the 2 horses that live here. She always loved animals and people. I will miss their presence in this world.
John Lafalce & Allen Freshler
July 27, 2016
Dear Kim, Dana and Seth
This loss of such a great couple is beyond words. The depth of their commitment to a better life for us all is a shared wish for the world. We had the opportunity to travel to Russia with them at unstable times. They were rock solid and knew the good that they brought transcended political considerations. Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Peace and Love,
Elisa Ferzacca
July 27, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss Kim and family. I am so glad that I was able to talk to Judi and Lou a few weeks ago and tell them how I felt about Lou and Westledge. They did so much for all of us there and for so many others. Who they were and what they did changed the world.
Sarah Vernlund
July 27, 2016
Lou was my first faculty advisor at Westledge when I was fourteen. At one meeting while sitting on a boulder outside his office, Lou asked me - "How do you want to live?" With just a few clarifying questions, he had helped me create a vivid vision and compass for my life. This question I have in turn asked many, many of my young riding students in hopes that they too will develop inspiration and life purpose to add value to others.
Carol Rehman (Ornitz)
July 27, 2016
My Aunt Judi and Uncle Lou were an inspiration to me. Their love and support for each other was obvious, and they lived their lives together trying to make the world a better, safer place. Their work touched many, and they leave all of us with an example of lives well lived, and a legacy that will survive them for years to come. I send my love and condolences to my cousins.
Winnie Johnson
July 27, 2016
How to live life ? Wiith your whole being. That's what you taught me. Thank you Lou and Judi. Rest with peace.
Barbara Tallmadge Winslow
July 27, 2016
As a neighbor and friend..I learner many important life lessons from Judi and Lou.I'm thankful they were part of my early years. They will be missed by many.
Nancy Muskin
July 26, 2016
Even though the end is a tragedy, their lives were truly outstanding....a contrast to the devastation of our world today. Judi and Lou were the prototypes of those who stand for peace, love, education, and they devoted their lives to making a difference. I am sure they will always be remembered as special and beloved.
Pamela Jackson
July 26, 2016
I moved to Canton in September of 2000 with my husband, Elliott, and it wasn't very long before we met Judi and Lou Friedman. My first introduction to Judi was through CARE and then PACE. I couldn't have asked for better neighbors. Not only were they kind and generous human beings, they were educated, environmentally aware and brave enough to fight for what they believed in. I will always remember how kind they always were to me and how lucky I was to have met this wonderful couple and saw first hand the love and devotion they had for one another. Judi and Lou were partners in every sense of the word and the love they had for one another was palpable. I will miss seeing them but I know in my heart that they are together and at peace and that makes me very happy.
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