Frieda Gelb, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at the age of 91.
Frieda was born Frieda Herz in Presov, Czechoslovakia in 1920. She survived the Holocaust, evading the Nazis by courageously hiding in the Tatra Mountains from 1942—1944 with other Slovak Jews. Following the war, Frieda returned to her hometown and married Emanuel Gelb. In 1947 she gave birth to their only child, Robert. Two years later, with her husband and son, she fled the Communist takeover of Czechoslovakia and emigrated via Canada to the United States. They initially settled in Philadelphia and then moved to Spokane, Wash. Following the births of their two grandsons, David and Aaron, Frieda and Emanuel moved to Bellevue in 1979 to be near their family. Frieda’s husband Emanuel passed away in 1996 after 50 years of devoted marriage, yet she continued to live an active life in Bellevue. In 2006 she moved to the Summit at First Hill, then in 2008 to the Kline Galland Home.
Despite the tragic losses encountered in the Holocaust, Frieda never lost her love of Judaism nor her positive outlook on life. She always had a sweet smile on her face and a kind word for everyone, and was a willing witness to history, sharing her experiences and memories of that time. Frieda always believed it was important for survivors to continue to tell their stories. She viewed life as a precious gift and appreciated each and every day.
She is survived by her son, Robert Gelb and his wife Talby of Bellevue; grandson Aaron Gelb of Los Angeles; grandson David Gelb, his wife Heather, their children — Frieda’s triplet great-grandchildren, Molly, Andy and Taylor Gelb of Los Angeles — of whom she was so proud.
A memorial service and funeral took place at Herzl-Ner Tamid Memorial Park on April 6, 2012. Donations in her memory may be made to Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation, The Kline Galland Home, Congregation Shevet Achim, or Hadassah.
Frieda Gelb
