Obituary of Gloria Rhoda Freeman

Gloria Rhoda Freeman, 71, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at St. Rose Dominican Hospital in Henderson, Nevada. She was the daughter of the late Ann and Phillip Bandel. She resided in Brick, New Jersey, for most of her life with her daughter and husband, George Freeman. She and her husband later relocated to Tampa, Florida and then retired to Henderson, Nevada for the past fifteen years. Gloria was born in Providence, Rhode Island on June 3, 1943 and grew up near Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York with her younger sister, Harriet. Like her mother, she devoutly followed the Jewish faith including keeping kosher in and out of the home. She first met her husband, George, in Brooklyn and they were married on September 12, 1965. She studied accounting for a few years in college and worked as a bookkeeper before moving to Brick, New Jersey when her daughter, Alicia, was born. She loved to travel, cook, and read, and had a passion for animals, particularly cats. She was an art lover who collected art sculptures and regularly attended music concerts and plays. She never turned down the opportunity to shop or engage in a lively political debate. Gloria spent her life supporting her family and sharing in the joy of others' accomplishments. Her unfailing dedication, love, and encouragement enabled her husband and daughter to achieve successful careers. She took great delight in children and her love for, and pride of, her grandson had no bounds. Highly philanthropic, she gave her time, love, and emotional support generously to family, friends, and those in need. Gloria had an infectious sense of humor and will continue to shine as a light of joy, faith, and love in the hearts of her family. Gloria is survived by her husband of 50 years, George, and her daughter, Alicia Nordstrom, Drums, Pennsylvania and her husband, Justin (who she regarded like her own son), and their son, Levi. Also surviving is Gloria's sister, Harriet Diamond, Monroe, New Jersey, her husband, Allan, and their three sons. She was preceded in death by her loving mother, Ann Bandel, in December, 2013. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at the Belkoff-Goldstein Funeral Chapel at 313 Second Street, Lakewood, New Jersey. Interment will follow at the Freehold Hebrew Benefit Society Cemetery at 164 State Route 33, Freehold, New Jersey. Shiva visiting times will be held at the Nordstrom residence in Pennsylvania on Friday, January 16 from 5-8 pm, Saturday, January 17 from 3-6 pm, and Sunday, January 18 from 1-4 pm. If desired, those interested can have a tree in Israel planted in her memory through the Jewish National Fund (www.jnf.org) in lieu of flowers or cards. May there be abundant peace from Heaven and life upon us and upon all Israel. -Kaddish .