Belle Friedman

Madison- Belle Goodman Friedman, age 97, died peacefully on December 26, 2013 at Wynwood West, surrounded by her family. She was born in Janesville, WI on April 3, 1916, daughter of the late Solomon & Leah Goodman. Belle married Haskell Friedman in Chicago on March 31, 1940. They were happily married for 64 years. They met at a dance at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago and enjoyed dancing together for many years. The Friedman's moved to Stoughton, WI in July 1950 where they owned and operated Friedman's General Store for 35 years before retiring. Belle was a long time member of Temple Beth El in Madison and was involved in many organizations. She was a lifetime member of Hadassah and Jewish Women International, and while living in Stoughton, was active with the Stoughton Hospital Auxiliary, Order of the Easter Star No. 61, and a Friend of the Stoughton Public Library. Belle cherished the many friends she made while being a member of the New Century Club. In 1992, Belle and Haskell were recipients of the Stoughton Community Service Award.

Belle is survived by her children, David Friedman (Pam Robbins), Susan Friedman-Hill (Gregory Hill) both of Madison; beloved grandchildren, Marissa Hill-Dongre (Chirayu Dongre) of Minneapolis, MN, Allison Prajapati (Pratik) and Amanda Hill of Madison, Samuel Friedman (Jodi Shapiro) of Los Angeles, CA and treasured great grandsons Aayush & Sahil Dongre. Belle is further survived by her niece and nephews; Paul (Murium) Fine of Brown Deer, WI, Charles (Penny) Fine of Phoenix, AZ, Zelma (Fred) Schloss of Milwaukee, WI, Allan Kushen (Natalie Best) of Massachusetts; her AFS daughter, Annette Grobler le Roux (Harold le Roux) of South Africa, and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Preceding Belle in death were her husband Haskell, her brother Sheldon Goodman, sister Henrietta Fine, and an infant son.

It was important to Belle that she be well dressed which meant her shoes and purse always needed to match. Nothing would stop Belle from playing bridge, a game she dearly loved. Her family will treasure the many beautiful Norwegian Hardanger pieces that she made. Her love of reading has been passed down to her children and grandchildren. She was dearly loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank the staff of Wynwood for their many years of loving care and to Agrace HospiceCare for their tender care during the past six months of Belle's life.

Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31st, with a visitation from 10 a.m. until time of service at Cress Funeral Home at 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Burial will follow immediately at Forest Hill Cemetery followed by a meal of condolence at Temple Beth El. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Belle may make memorials in her name to Temple Beth El, 2702 Arbor Dr., Madison, WI, 53711, Stoughton Public Library, 304 S. Fourth St., Stoughton, WI, 53589, Second Harvest FoodBank of Southern Wisconsin, 2802 Dairy Dr., Madison, WI, 53718 or a charity of one's choice.

May her memory be a blessing.