Obituary of Meredith Friedman

FRIEDMAN, Meredith Joy (Nee: Sproul).

February 3, 1948 – September 13, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Meredith Joy (Sproul) Friedman of Chapel Hill on September 13, 2024. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 53 years, Stephen Friedman; children: Jennifer Farley (Bruce) and Adam Friedman (Michelle); grandchildren: Wade Farley, Jacqueline Friedman, and Rebecca Friedman; and her brother Walter Sproul, Jr. (Jean). She was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Florence Sproul.

Meredith was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, and lived with Steve and her children variously in New Jersey, California, Maine, and North Carolina. She received a BA in Art History from the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Meredith had fond memories of her early childhood home in Orange, New Jersey, her teenage adventures in and around West Orange, New Jersey, camping with her brother and parents in High Point, New Jersey, and spending time with her husband and children in California National Parks and at the family cabin in Barnard, Vermont. A devoted wife and mother, she was a lifelong learner of the arts and culture, and was especially passionate about archaeology, piano, genealogy, and crafts such as crochet and needlework. A committed Anglophile, she loved her visits to the UK, and could often be found watching a cozy British mystery or other program from Masterpiece Theatre. She delighted in both the historical and scientific pursuits of her children and husband. In her children, she taught intellectual curiosity, open mindedness, and independence. Her strength of character, mind, and constant, unwavering love sustained the family during challenging times and brought joy during the good. The pride and love for her family is matched only by the love and mourning by her kin left behind. 

Memorial services will be held at 11:00AM on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at Duke Homestead State Historic Site in Durham   

Memorial Donations may be made in Meredith Friedman’s name to the Alzheimer's  Association. https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate