VIRGINIA BEACH – Nancy M. Friedman passed away on November 7, 2025.
Nancy was born July 25, 1940, in Raleigh, N.C. to the late Macy and Willard Clifton.
A military man, Will moved the family to Norfolk when Nancy was a little girl, and it was here that she spent her childhood and young adult years. From her dad, Nancy internalized a strong sense of responsibility to her community and from her mom, a volunteer for Saint Jude’s Children’s hospital, Nancy learned the importance of hands on giving back to those in need. Nancy was close to and devoted to her parents, but it was her sister Suzanne who was truly her best friend and lifelong confidant, support, and strength.
Nancy graduated from Granby Elementary and Virginia Beach High School before completing her business degree at Keys Business College. Beautiful inside and out, she was crowned Miss Virginia Beach in 1958. At a party at the officer’s Club in Ocean View, then 18-year-old-Nancy caught the eye of Gerald Friedman. Though each was there with a different date, Gerald managed to get her number. For 60 years, Nancy and Gerald built a happy, fulfilling, wonderful life together. Whether they were working together in their family business; giving generously to the Jewish community, particularly to the Sandler Campus Campaign (the Administration Office at Strelitz International Academy bears their name); traveling, making it to Israel three times and even meeting David Ben Gurion; playing mixed doubles tennis and golf; or doing anything and everything together, they were partners in all things and Gerald was always and remained the love of Nancy’s life. But nothing gave them greater joy than raising their children, Chip, Mona, and Laura. Nancy loved to host Shabbat family dinners each week.
Nancy was a wonderful person who never met a stranger, wouldn’t harm a fly, and had myriad friends whom she made through her volunteer work at Ohef Sholom Temple and other Jewish organizations. She was also a gifted artist and photographer who made many friends in her arts communities. She made beautiful drawings and took gorgeous pictures, too. No matter what she was doing, Nancy always took the time to really get to know people, to talk with them, and ask how they were doing. Her keen interest in each person was keenly felt and appreciated and made her a friend to so many.
Nancy is survived by her children, Chip (Alexandra) Friedman, Mona Smith, and Laura (Keith) Goldstein; her sister Suzanne; and grandchildren, Eric, Mason, Shelley, Billy, Phillip, Lizzy and Alex. Nancy was predeceased by Gerald, her husband of 60 years.
A graveside funeral service, officiated by Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg, took place at Forest Lawn Cemetery.