Frances Lederman

Frances Lederman died March 30, 2010 in Santa Monica, California. She was 91. The daughter of Dora and Alvin Gilbert, she was born in Bronx, New York and worked in the furniture and decorating businesses after graduation from high school. She married Morris Lederman in 1939 and they had three children: Bruce, a retired partner of the law firm of Latham & Watkins; Leslie, an attorney for the State of California; and Mark, who died while in college, shortly before he was scheduled to begin medical school. While her children were growing up, Frances worked with her husband in their photography business, was active in the local PTA (becoming president) and edited the PTA newsletter for many years. After her husband died in 1968, she enrolled in Westchester County Community College at age 50, made the Dean's List and obtained an accounting degree. She became a tax auditor for the State of New York, earning a reputation as being fair but thorough. When her first grandchild, Eric, was born in Los Angeles in 1981, she moved to California, where she was active in the community. She staffed election voter booths, tutored youths, and served as President of the local chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women. She cared greatly about public issues and contributed to many causes. She was an avid bridge player and voracious reader, participating in Brandeis Reading Group #52 until shortly before her death. She was a home gardener extraordinaire who enthusiastically shared the plants she grew. She loved opera. She was buried in Valhalla, New York. She is survived by her son, Bruce and his wife Ellie, daughter Leslie, and three grandchildren, Eric, Jeffrey, and Joshua. She was an extraordinary force in everyone's life who had the good fortune to spend time with her; and all of us who did so came out better people as a result. We will all miss her.