Ann Lee Friedlander

Ann Friedlander, a longtime resident of our community passed away peacefully on January 6, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was ninety years old.
Mrs. Friedlander was born Ann Lee Grover in Providence, Rhode Island, on September 2, 1933, the daughter of Morris Grover, a physician, and Frances Williams Grover, an educator.
She spent her early years living in Brookline, Massachusetts. Later she, her mother and brother, moved to Miami, Florida where she continued her education. She was accepted to begin college at the University of Miami in the fall of 1952, but on a blind date, at the age of 18, met her future husband the late Herman Friedlander. After a whirlwind romance, they were married on November 18, 1952, and made their home in Moultrie, Georgia. She remained in Moultrie the rest of her life.
Through the years, she became a true “Southern lady”, woven into the fabric of life in the Moultrie community. She was active in civic and charitable organizations including: the Moultrie Service League, the Volunteer Arts Alliance, the hospital Pink Ladies, Morning Glory Garden Club, the Federated Guild, and the Junior Woman’s Club. Ann was instrumental in creating the impetus for the renovation of the old high school which became the Colquitt County Arts Center. She was also involved in raising funds for the YMCA. For Colquitt Regional Hospital, she continued in the tradition of her late husband Herman, and her son Kirk, with the passion to do everything she could to benefit the hospital. She assisted the committee through the years in the recruiting of physicians, graciously offering her home and Southern hospitality to prospective and new physicians which contributed to bringing a high quality of medical care to her beloved hometown.
She was also active in Friedlander’s Department stores, the family retail business. The main store graced the downtown Moultrie square for many years. Her impeccable taste and panache were recognizable not only in her own style, but as well as in store merchandise. She regularly went on buying trips to New York and Atlanta to stock the stores. She was the ultimate “personal shopper” before the phrase was used. She organized benefit fashion shows bringing her love for fashion to the community.
She traveled extensively with Herman and after his death, continued to take their children and grandchildren on special trips.
She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was caring, loving, compassionate, and will be missed beyond words by her family and friends.
Survivors include her children Ellen Blumenthal (Bob) of Miami, Scott Friedlander (Alex) of Fernandina Beach, and Kirk Friedlander (Cheryl) of Moultrie; grandchildren Emily Blumenthal (Greg Rago) of Boston, Ashley Blumenthal of Brooklyn; Hanna Friedlander of Seattle, Lauren Friedlander of New York, and David Friedlander of Athens, great granddaughter Sylvie Rago of Boston, and brother Judge Robert Grover (Elaine) of Miami.
Her family will be forever indebted for the tender, loving care provided by Cynthia Gamble, Rita Hayes, and Tamika Williams.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at the Friedlander Memorial Gardens in Moultrie. The Reverend Hugh B. Ward, a longtime family friend, will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the:
Colquitt County Arts Center Foundation
401 7th Avenue S.W.
Moultrie, Georgia 31768
( www.artscenterofmoultrie.com )
Food Bank of Colquitt County ( www.colquittfoodbank.org/donate/ )
Colquitt Regional Medical Center Foundation ( www.colquittregional.com/home/foundation/make-a-gift/ )
May her memory be a blessing.
Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Home.