Anita Freedman obituary – CA

Freedman, Anita Samson, passed away gently in her sleep, surrounded by her family, on December 14, 2009. A private family funeral was held on December 18. Her dedication to her family, her love of learning, her passion for travel and her keen interest in her community were an inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know her. Anita was born on September 26, 1920 in New York to Freda and Sydney Samson. His father was a district manager for 20th Century Fox in Buffalo and later Canadian general manager. When Anita was young, her pet dog was Rin Tin Tina, Rin Tin Tin’s granddaughter. Anita majored in political science at the University of Michigan, graduating in 1941, and then earned a master’s degree in education from SUNY at Buffalo. She married Arthur, her husband of over 63 years, in 1943. She worked for the State Department while in the Army during World War II. Anita and Art raised their four children in Buffalo and, tired of the long winters, the family moved to Orange, California in 1961. Anita taught in California and Fairhaven elementary schools in the Orange Unified School District . She retired in 1983 after 25 years of teaching. Anita was passionate about local history. As a longtime member of the Orange Community Historical Society, she edited A Cook’s Tour of Orange, a cookery and history book. She also edited Color It Orange, Volumes I and II, a compilation of the written memoirs of Orange residents. Beginning in 1994, she wrote a column, Orange Pealings, for Orange City News about significant people and events from the community’s past and present. Anita recorded the early history of Orange County’s first synagogue, Temple Beth Sholom, of which she was a devoted member until its declining years. She was an active participant in the AAUW, the UCI Writing Project, the CLE (Continued Learning Experience) at Cal State Fullerton, a member of the Jane Austen Society, and a volunteer docent at the Bowers Museum. Anita was very proud of the recognition and awards she received for her volunteer work. She is the recipient of the William T. Glassell Award, the YWCA Spring Into Service Award, and numerous other honors. Anita was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. His warmth, wit and storytelling ability will be missed by his friends and family. Anita is survived by her daughters, Marcia Ruth (husband Robert), Andrea; son, Art Jr; grandchildren, Cyndi, Jacquelyn Louk (husband Asher) and great-grandchildren Elad and Shaili. Her beloved husband Arthur and son Jack were predeceased by her.