Gaetana Theresa Friedman

gaetana friedman

September 6, 1933 ~ June 16, 2020

Born in: Brooklyn, NY
Resided in: Asheville, NC

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Gaetana Theresa Friedman passed away at age 86 on June 16th. She was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 6, 1933 to the late Nicholas and Elizabeth Seguino.

She was a very creative and warm-hearted woman with an extraordinary mind. She earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from Case Western Reserve University. She loved music. In addition to singing she played guitar, piano, banjo, fiddle, hand bells, and recorder. She took up painting later in life and displayed her work in various shows and galleries in Asheville, North Carolina. Among her other accomplishments she created many beautiful artist books.

She lived abroad several times, first living two and a half years near Oslo, Norway, with her husband, Jerry and three daughters. Much later in life, she lived in Tokyo, Japan with her husband Jerry for two years where she taught English to business people.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jerry Friedman, and daughters Nancy Perin (Charlie), Alison Friedman (Philippe), and Kari Collier (Howard), and by her two brothers, Nicholas Seguino, Jr. (of North Wales, PA), and Joseph Seguino (of Naperville, IL).

There is no date set at this time for her memorial service, however, there will be information in these pages when it is feasible to set a date for one.

She will be sorely missed.

Services

Funeral Home Assisting The Family:

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

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  3. Gaetana was a lovely lady who was dearly loved at Deerfield. She was creative and shared her art with many. He smile could brighten up a room and that beautiful head of hair set off her lovely face. Our deepest sympathies go out to Jerry and her family during these difficult times. Peace and courage as you move forward.
    Angela

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  4. Gaetana will always remain in my memory as a vibrant, intelligent and talented woman who embraced new skills and enjoyed learning. Though I knew her only for a few years, she was an inspiration to me and to others in Oak Street Ringers at First Congregational UCC in Asheville. More than once, one of us (all adults!) was heard to say, “I want to be like Gaetana when I grow up.” I pray that she will Rest In Peace, and that all who knew her will embrace her love of learning and general inquisitive and caring spirit.

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  5. I’m just learning today that Gaetana has left us, and I’m both sad and smiling. I met her nearly 20 years ago and over time our paths continued to cross in a variety of ways, each time bringing me great joy. Her beautiful silver ear rings, thoughtful words, bright smile, and lovely cadence of her voice will remain with me. I also cherish one of her paintings — the one of three women walking arm and arm. It reminds me of companionship of friends, which I know was deeply important to her too. Sending love to all Gaetana’s family, especially Jerry. I remember a visit to your home once when, if my memory is accurate, I think you shared some of your treasured dahlias.

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  6. Gaetana was my neighbor in Haw Creek when I first moved to Asheville 9 years ago. She and Jerry moved the following year to Deerfield, and it was only over the past couple of years that we reconnected. She became a treasured friend. Always interested in attending an intimate concert, an arts film, a speaker on social justice, or a walk at the Arboretum. Willing to share her art with me when I was dabbling in watercolor. Even when she learned she had cancer, she was still upbeat, reflective, and insightful. I’ll miss you, my friend. “May the longtime sun shine upon you; and all love surround you; may the pure joy within you, light your way home”. Cindy

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  8. I only met Gaetana a couple of years ago but I wish I had known her longer. What a wonderful lady.

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  9. Dear family, I am so sad to learn of sweet Gaetana’s passing. She was a beautiful woman. Her spirit was clear and loving and I adored her company. Her memory will be with me always. I know Gaetana through BookWorks for many years. She was a talented artist with many interesting stories to share. She will be missed. Much love, Laurie Corral

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  10. I will miss Gaetana! She was a cherished member of our congregation. She used to dance with the Dance Circle until she started having trouble with dizziness. And then she moved on to the handbells. I so remember her painting of the three friends walking arm in arm – she was a friend to so many. Rest in peace our creative sister.

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  11. So sorry to hear of Gaetana’s passing. I have one of her art pieces and treasure it. My condolences to Jerry and family.

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  12. I met Gaetana through Mary Cowal. I ran into her and talked with her at Deerfield and at church. She loved bringing those bells! I will miss her. She has joined Mary in heaven.

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  13. I was so deeply saddened to hear of Gaetana’s passing. Knowing her for almost 40 year, she was one of the kindest and most creative people I have ever met. I moved to Cleveland for my first job out of university at the same time Jerry began working at the same company. She and Jerry were so generous with their friendship, and it has lasted through all these years. It was such a gift to visit them in NC last summer. Her smile and love of life will always be in my memory. My heart goes out to Jerry and her daughters.

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  14. I loved her energy and the way she lived her life. She was always interested in learning and doing new things and she didn’t let age slow her down. I will miss her.

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