Ellen Freedman

Ellen Paula Freedman, age 77, of Atlanta, died July 24, 2025. After a long battle with cancer, she passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Ellen is survived by her loving husband and best friend of 55 years, Terry Freedman; her two sons, Matthew Freedman (Ashley) and Lee Freedman (Rumi); her granddaughter Mai Freedman; and her sisters, Carol Kurtz (Paul) and Joan Blumenfeld (Rick). She was the beloved friend and aunt of many.

Ellen was born March 8, 1948, in Memphis, Tenn. to Murray and Muriel Porter. The eldest of three sisters, she loved books more than anything else, and that love was a constant throughout her life. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Georgia and taught for several years before earning a Master’s Degree in Library Science from Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus. After spending her career sharing her love of reading with others, Ellen retired in 2008 from her position as a Media Specialist at Cross Keys High School in Atlanta.

As an undergraduate in Athens, Ga., she met the love of her life, Terry. They married in 1969 and celebrated 55 beautiful years together. In her retirement, she and Terry truly lived. They traveled together often, enjoying week-long apartment rentals in Paris and New York and visiting friends and family across the country. At home in Atlanta, she often attended lectures and services with her late father, played mahjong with her friends, and was a long-time book club member—and the reason her husband, friends, and many family members have kept up with the best books published in the last few decades. 

Ellen’s soul was kindness and generosity itself. Those who knew her felt her love in every gesture, every conversation, and every visit she made. 

Graveside services will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, with Rabbi Joshua Heller officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Congregation B'nai Torah, The American Cancer Society, or Hadassah. Arrangements by Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta.

LIVESTREAM: Please click here to attend the funeral service via livestream.