Arlynn (Lindy) Kest Freedman, 81, of Neptune Township, passed away Sunday, March 24th, surrounded by members of her loving family.

Lindy was born in Newark and raised in Elizabeth. She was a 1960 graduate of Battin High School and thereafter spent a year on a work/study program in Israel. Lindy later attended  Douglass College and later went to earn her MSW from Yeshiva University. She then embarked on a career as a social worker, where she provided counseling to troubled local families in her position with the Jewish Family and Children Service of Monmouth County.

At 21 years old, Lindy married the love of her life, the late Herb Freedman, and they enjoyed over 50 years of wonderful marriage and family, filled with love and happiness. The Freedmans ran an iconic Jersey institution, Freedman’s Bakery, to which Lindy provided invaluable support. Lindy was unstoppably courageous, vibrant, loving and creative. She was wholly devoted to charity, investing many hours and holding leadership positions in the Jewish Federation and other philanthropic organizations. Lindy also worked to foster peace through her initiative “Project Understanding,” in which cultural boundaries were softened through dialog.

Lindy was an avid reader and writer. Shortly before her death, she achieved her long-term dream of writing and publishing a novel, Finders Keepers. She was also beloved for the heartfelt and often whimsical poems she composed for family and friends, who were her foremost priority. She loved to entertain, appreciated the arts, and traveled the world.

Lindy is predeceased by her husband Herb. She is survived by her son Mark, his wife Maryla and their daughter Julia of Florida, her son David and his wife Lisa of New York, her devoted brother Ted Kest of Brick, many nieces and nephews and her cat, Peach. She will be sincerely missed by all who were privileged to know her.

A memorial gathering will be held Friday, March 29th, from 1-3pm at Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street, Long Branch with a reception to follow at Lindy’s home. Shiva will be held at Lindy Freedman’s home on Sunday from noon to 4 PM. To share a favorite memory or send a  message of condolence to the family please visit her tribute page at woolleyboglioli.com. If you wish to make a donation in Lindy’s name, please consider Autism Speaks.