Freda Peletz Berkowitz, 89

Freda Peletz Berkowitz, age 89, a long-time resident of Hendersonville died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, May 11th, 2016 in her residence at Carolina Village. She was born in February, 1927 in Danville, Quebec, Canada; she was the daughter of the late Harry and Eva Silverman Peletz. In addition to her parents, Freda was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Benjamin Berkowitz; her four siblings, Abraham, Maye, Solomon, Joseph, and their spouses; and a grand-nephew, Jacob Berkowitz.

Freda graduated from Sherbrooke Hospital in Quebec, Canada in 1948, and worked as a Registered Nurse for 50 years in Canada, Florida, New York, and North Carolina, mostly in the field of geriatrics. After relocating to Hendersonville in 1985, she worked at Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital in the Lane Wing and then as a Home Health Visiting Nurse until her retirement.

While she maintained a professional career, Mrs. Berkowitz also enjoyed and excelled at many domestic arts throughout her life, including cooking, baking, sewing, knitting, and weaving; she learned to weave soon after coming to North Carolina. She was an active member of the Heritage Weavers for many years.

Freda also enjoyed nature, dining out, going to live theatre, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog. She attended the Agudas Israel Synagogue where she participated in many activities during her 30 years as a member of the congregation. She was a gentle and caring soul; she will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Meta Berkowitz of Flat Rock; many nieces and nephews in Canada and the United States; as well as seven grandnieces and grandnephews, and their nine children, many with whom she kept in contact. She was especially fond of her two nieces, Janice Meyerovitz and her husband, Darryl and their children and grandchildren, and Sharon Cohen and her husband Bob; and her nephew, Gary Berkowitz and his wife, Donna and their children.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 15th, 2016 at the Agudas Israel Synagogue conducted by Rabbi Rachel Jackson. The burial service will follow in Agudas Israel section of Oakdale Cemetery.

A meal of comfort will served at the Social Hall of Agudas Israel Synagogue following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in Freda’s memory be directed to the Blue Ridge Humane Society at 1214 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792 or to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund at Agudas Israel Synagogue at 505 Glasgow Lane, Hendersonville, NC 28739 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.