Laurie Ann Needleman

Laurie Anne Needleman, 76, of Freehold passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. Born on September 17, 1948 in the Bronx, NY, Laurie was destined to be a lifelong Yankee fan. She moved to Bergen county, NJ as a child where she grew up and later obtained a degree in primary education from Trenton State College.
Laurie was a committed educator, spending nearly four decades enriching the lives of hundreds of students. She spent most of her career in Teaneck, NJ as a classroom elementary school teacher and later transitioned into providing supplemental education to the most needful students as a special education teacher. Over her long career she became a respected role model and mentor to many other teachers, forming lasting bonds with many colleagues.
Laurie retired in 2008 and thereafter focused on enjoying the simple pleasures in life – time with family and friends, watching the birds in her backyard with a hot cup of coffee, walks on the boardwalk, catching a game on the TV, watching the surf at the beach, and just sitting on a bench in the warm sun.
Throughout her life, Laurie above all was kind and gentle to all people. This extended to animals, who always held a special place in her heart. Laurie was a strong supporter of animal shelters and advocacy organizations, and was a "Mom" to many adopted pets throughout her life, including Mitzlplix during her early teaching days in northern New Jersey, Tammy the ferret when she first moved to Freehold, and her most recent adoptee, a loving black and white kitty named Michi.
Laurie was predeceased by her parents Laurent and R. June Reuben. She is survived by her life partner Sharon Shaw, her sister Terri Schenfeld and brother-in-law Louis, her nephew Eric Schenfeld, her niece Jennifer Schenfeld and family, and numerous extended Shaw family members. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends, but her legacy lives on in the hearts of these family members and the countless students and friends she inspired during her lifetime.
Donations to the Monmouth County SPCA would be appreciated.
To leave a condolence visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com