Ruth Freedman

November 27, 1927 - January 23, 2014

Freedman, Ruth (Nee Perchonok) January 23, 2014, age 86, born November 27th in Milwaukee; longtime resident of Milwaukee and Glencoe, Illinois, and frequent part-time resident of Kirkland, WA. Survived by daughters, Penny and Nancy (Ben Remak), son, Richard, granddaughter, Elsa Remak, sister-in-law, Frances (the late Richard Franklin) and preceded in death by husband Eugene, sisters Natalie (the late Arnold Plotkin), Geraldine (the late Philip Davidson), brother, Floyd, brother-in-law Martin Freedman and sister-in-law Blossom Lowenstein. Further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and treasured friends. Besides her role as devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and aunt, Ruth served as the “First Lady” of Enesco Group, Inc., a global leader in branded gifts and collectibles and the creator of the Precious Moments figurine collection. Her husband Gene was the Founding Chairman and longtime former president and CEO of Enesco Group, Inc. Ruth, often by Gene’s side on international and domestic trips, served as corporate ambassador to collectors, global suppliers, retail customers and employees. Ruth also actively participated in the company’s, as well as the couple’s, philanthropic activities, particularly with Easter Seals and Boys & Girls Clubs. Funeral services: 10:30 am, Wednesday, January 29, 2014, at Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun, 2020 W. Brown Deer Road, River Hills, WI. Interment at Greenwood Cemetery, 2615 W. Cleveland Avenue, Milwaukee. Following the cemetery service, the family will receive friends back at Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun until 3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor are being accepted through Easter Seals, Inc., easterseals.com; Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue, WA, bgcbellevue.org; Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui, bgcmaui.org; and Evergreen Hospital, Kirkland, WA, evergreenhealth.org.