Jane Leterman Frieden

NORFOLK – Jane Leterman Frieden, born in Norfolk, Virginia, on September 19, 1928, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the age of 96.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of nearly 76 years, Leonard S. (“Lenny”) Frieden; her parents, Jack and Louise Leterman; her cherished sister and best friend, Barbara Leterman Fletcher; and her great-nephew, Jeffrey Spindel.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Jane lived a life centered on love, family, community, and compassion. She is survived by her loving children, Jack Frieden (Jodie), Bruce Frieden (Jeannie), and Cat Frieden Lineberry (Charlie); eight grandchildren, Jessica Frieden Shultz (Brian), Laura Frieden Gibbons (Jonathan), Katie Frieden Moss (Joe), Anna Frieden Schabacker (Brandon), Chris Lineberry (Lynne), Cate Lineberry (Tim), David Lineberry (Alyson), and Jeff Lineberry (Lizzy); and 10 great-grandchildren, including the newest addition, Vivienne Isabel Moss, born in April 2025. Jane was so grateful to be present at Vivienne’s birth—one of the greatest joys of her life—and holding baby “Vivie” filled her heart with pure happiness.

Affectionately known as Mum, Grandmum and GiGi, Jane will be remembered for her radiant warmth, her fierce devotion to family, her quick wit, and her ability to show up with love and loyalty in both joyful and difficult times. Her marriage to Lenny, which spanned nearly eight decades, was a living testament to their loving and enduring partnership.

A proud Norfolk native, Jane graduated from Highland Manor Junior College in New Jersey and later worked for John Hancock Insurance and The Frieden Agency for 17 years, alongside her husband and two sons and many other family members.

Jane was a lifelong member of Ohef Sholom Temple. Her community service endeavors included serving on the board of the Florence Crittenton Home for unwed mothers, volunteering as a “Pink Lady” at DePaul Hospital, and tutoring children with reading challenges at Granby Elementary.

Jane had a rare gift for making others feel truly known and valued. She embraced family and friends alike with warmth, curiosity, and genuine acceptance. With an open heart, she offered friendship without boundaries—welcoming all, regardless of race, religion, or circumstance. Her grace, sincerity, and compassion left others feeling deeply understood and unconditionally loved.

Their house in Corolla Light was Jane and Lenny’s dream come true, and Jane’s warmth made it a place of laughter, love, and lasting memories and friendships that will be forever treasured.

Animals were another source of deep affection. Jane rescued many beloved family pets over the years—long before “rescue” became a common term—and passed that same love of all things furry on to her children and grandchildren.

The family wishes to acknowledge Jane’s cherished relationship with Madeleine Jordan, her hairdresser and dear friend of more than 60 years. Their weekly visits, which continued up until Jane’s passing, were a treasured constant, full of warmth, laughter, and love and meant the world to Jane.

A memorial service led by Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg took place at Ohef Sholom Temple. A private burial was held prior to the service.

The family kindly requests donations be made to one of the following organizations: Ohef Sholom Temple, Norfolk SPCA, and Duke University Cancer Center.