Obituary of Ruth Mahler Freshman

Ruth Mahler Freshman was born 7/9/1936 in Detroit, MI to Sarah and Irving Mahler. Ruth had a younger brother, Edward. Our mom spent most of her childhood in Detroit but some of her high school years in Florida with her family. She survived Polio as a child, demonstrating her strong nature; a physical strength that would follow her throughout her life, often in contrast with her small stature. Ruth married twice. As a young woman in her late teens, as was customary in her world, but that was annulled shortly after. She married again in her late 20’s to Gordon Freshman. For 18 years, they in lived in California where they raised their two daughters. Laura and Julie Freshman. Ruth loved art, traveling, entertaining, ballet classes with her friends and interior design. She was an elegant, smart, sophisticated woman with a wicked sense of humor whose Rosh Hashanah brisket was unrivalled. After her divorce, which aligned with her daughters having left for college, Ruth blossomed. She moved to NYC, became involved in the faux finishing painting schools that were a la mode in the 80’s / 90’s and flourished. Her talents as an artist, designer and general adventurous human thrived. She loved the subway, being among New Yorkers, egg white omelets, being a warm, loving loyal friend to her “people” and living life in the city. Ruth was independent, courageous. She lived the way she wanted, on her own terms, loved her friends fiercely and above all loved her daughters Laura and Julie and their families. (Julie Freshman and her husband Kevin Trainor; Laura Freshman and her husband Duane Eaton). Ruth moved to Denver in the early 2000’s, because she “wanted to watch her grandchildren grow up” and she did. Hunter (26), Claire (24), Matthew (23) and Serena (22) were her pride and joy. Soaking up the time she had with them was the most important thing in her life.  They were with her until her death, which must have made her heart sing.

Mom read about 3 -4 books a week, was a political devotee, loved the movies, popcorn, museums/galleries, shopping, live theater, and was engaged in the world. She LOVED her life until her health declined, then it was not nearly as fun for her as it had been. ­­She will live in her family and friends’ hearts for all their own forever.

A Message to the Community:

The antidote to loss is connection. Unfortunately, during this pandemic, connection is limited and is leaving grieving families isolated in the midst of mourning.

In the absence of attending a funeral or paying a Shiva and Condolence Call, please consider leaving condolences and/or memories for the family and friends of Ruth by clicking on the Tribute Wall tab. 

For a grieving family, sharing stories of how that person impacted you is a special way to keep those memories of their loved one alive. It also helps to pass along the values, wisdom, and even humor of these lost loved ones. This type of sharing will show your support to the family members as well as other friends as you collectively mourn the loss of this special person.