Mariam Kamen Friedmann, 91, died on Aug. 20, 2015. A private memorial service will be scheduled at a future date.
Born in 1927, Mariam was the youngest of five children. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}She was raised and nurtured by her loving step-mother Bertha and her father Sam Kamen. She lived in the Kansas City area her entire life.
A graduate of Westport High School, during World War II she worked in the family business, Kamen’s Fine Foods. In 1943, she became engaged to Lt. Howard W. Friedmann, USNR, before he left for duty in the Pacific. They married on Dec. 2, 1945. She spent over 60 years spoiling him and loving him until his death in 2006. They were a perfect match.
She loved working in her garden and designing flower arrangements. She was truly “at home” in her home. She was a great cook and loved to entertain. She set a beautiful table, decorating for every holiday on the calendar. Family and friends were always welcome.
Mariam volunteered for Jackson County CASA. When she saw that children waiting for their child abuse and neglect cases to be called before the judge were forced to wait in the same waiting room with their perpetrator, she created a playroom at the Jackson County Family Court where children could play in a relaxed, fun setting while they waited to be called into court. It was a place for the kids to read or play by themselves or with others … a safe place to be away from the high stress moment when they would come face-to-face with their abuser in the court room. Mariam was a life member of Hadassah, a life member of the National Council of Jewish Women and a member of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, where she was a member of the Temple Sisterhood. She loved decorating for special events.
Mariam is survived by her children, Barb Friedmann and Tom A. Friedmann, both of Overland Park, Kansas, and by her dog, Cooper, who watched over her every move and made her laugh.
Tom and Barb want to thank the wonderful caring staff at Villa St. Francis for the excellent care they provided.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution be made in her memory to Jewish Family Services, 5801 W. 115th St., Suite 103, Overland Park, KS 66211 (designated for elder assistance) or to Jackson County CASA, 2544 Holmes, Kansas City, MO 64108, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.{/mprestriction}