Frieda (Brolin) Garman, of Washingtonville, NY, former resident of Massapequa Park, passed away peacefully on Nov. 2, 2009 at the age of 92, surrounded by her three children, Lawrence Edward Brolin (wife Eileen), Lynda J. Brolin and Beverly Joanne Brolin. She was born in Astoria, NY, on Oct. 10, 1917, the daughter of Andrew and Hannah Bergh.
Frieda was active in the Civic Association in Massapequa Park in the 1960s and enjoyed involvement in local politics. She was an early trendsetter as a working mother. Her career began as secretary to the president of Canada Dry Bottling Company in Queens. Following the return of her husband from the Navy after WWII and the birth of their third child, they moved to Uniondale, where she worked in retail for Franklin Shops in Hempstead. When the family moved to Massapequa Park in 1954, she became manager of the children’s department at Saks 34 Street which later became Gimbels.
With the death of her first husband, Lawrence Walter Brolin, in 1967, she returned to work in Manhattan and in 1973 joined Coopers & Lybrand, overseeing the medical coverage and retirement benefits for the partners of the firm until she retired in 1997.
She wed Herbert G. Garman in 1975 and lived happily for 35 years until his passing on Aug. 24, 2009. She was also predeceased by her brother Edward Bergh and her stepson Herbert B. Garman.
Frieda is survived by her three children; three step-children, Jeanne Garman Weston (husband Glenn), Marcy Garman and James Garman; three grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and 10 step-great-grandchildren.
Frieda was a vibrant, loving and caring person who embraced family and life. She will live forever in our hearts and will be greatly missed. She leaves behind a loving legacy that will be cherished by all.
A memorial service was held on Nov. 16 at the Dalton Funeral Home, Hicksville. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001 (646-638-1542).
