Nancy Friedell

Nancy Ruth Friedell, 88, of Golden Valley, MN, died peacefully at home surrounded by
loved ones August 6, 2022. She is proceeded in death by her beloved husband of 64
years Stuart, parents Henry and Isabel (Mark) Sklamberg. She is survived by sons:
David, Gary (Tracy) and Jonathan (Jada Pirius), Grandchildren: Isabel, Audrey, Jackson
and Maxwell. Sister Joyce (Dr. David Rosenbaum), Sister-in-law Peggy Cohn (Billy),
many nieces, nephews and cousins She was raised in South Minneapolis in an artistic family. Mother, Isabel, was a painter, her sister Joyce was a pianist and Nancy found her passion in dance. As a child she
danced in many performances in a variety of styles and was selected to dance the role
of Clara with the Russian Ballet in their local performances of The Nutcracker. She
graduated from Washburn High School. She eventually founded her own dance studio,
where she passed on her love of the art. She met Stuart, the love of her life, at the University of Minnesota when she was set up on a blind double date. Unfortunately, she was set up with the other boy. In her usual
fashion, she corrected that mistake in a matter of minutes. From then on they became
inseparable. They were married in 1952 after Stuart was discharged from the Army.
Once married, they started a life together filled with family and friends. They loved to
travel the world, and especially loved traveling with friends. With her family, there were
many winter ski trips. The family’s annual summer vacation in Aspen, CO was the
highlight of their year. She loved to read, go to movies and eat out. She was well
known as a formidable shopper. A fantastic cook, holidays were always special and
delicious. Her son’s friends rarely passed up the chance to have a meal at the house.
Her baking and vanilla milk shakes were legendary.Nancy was a gentle and loving person, but could stand up for herself and defend her principles. She was a devoted mother and endured thousands of hours driving to sports, activities and other events without a single complaint. She could navigate from
Golden Valley to Buck Hill blindfolded! She loved her friends and cherished the weekly
luncheons and card games. Many of her friendships spanned 70 plus years, a
testament to her fairness and dedication. She was a life member of Hadassah and
volunteered at Minneapolis Children’s Hospital for over 25 years.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation for the caregivers who have
provided loving care and support for her. Tiffany, Haleigh, Nicole, Rachel, Melissa, Michelle, Ella, Grace,
Rachael, Anna, Carol and Cindy. Funeral service 1:00 pm TUESDAY, August 9th at BET SHALOM CONGREGATION, 13613 Orchard Road, Minnetonka, MN 55305. The funeral is also available via Zoom; for the link please send an email to zoom2@hodroffepstein.com. SHIVA Tuesday evening, 7 pm at The Laurel, 250 Turner’s Crossroads South, Golden Valley, MN 55416. Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association, Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis or a charity of your own choosing.