Cecille Menkus Friedler, age 75 years, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on Monday, September 25, 2017. She was preceded in death by her parents Josephine and David Menkus and by her son, Gregory Stephen Friedler.

Cecille is survived by her loving husband, Gerald “Jerry” Frank Friedler, her son, David Friedler (Shawna) and her grandchildren; Jake, Delilah, Michael, Nicholas, and Sophia.
In addition, she is survived by her sister, Dana Menkus-Tlumak (Rob), her sister in law, Patsy Kanter and her sister in law and brother in law, Ann and Robert Eisen.

Cecille grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas but graduated from high school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin after the schools closed for a year in Little Rock. She graduated from Newcomb College where she was president of her senior class, a member of Mortar Board and a sister of Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority. She earned a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Tulane University.

Cecille taught at Newcomb Nursery school and was active in the National Council of Jewish Women. She later volunteered at Descanso Gardens in California. While living in Boston, she was an enthusiastic docent at the Arnold Arboretum. She was an active athlete, swimming, playing tennis and later taking up golf. While she lived at Poydras Home she enjoyed watching tennis and critiquing the play.

Cecille cared deeply for all things living: family, children, friends, animals and especially plants. She loved kids, teaching, and a good laugh. Cecille was often outspoken and always gave you a direct answer – whether you wanted to hear it or not. She took great pride in the accomplishments of her sons and grandchildren and avidly followed their success.
Special thanks to everyone at Poydras Home, who so lovingly cared for her in her final years, and especially to Susan Levin, her angel and champion during her illness.
A memorial services will be held on Friday, September 29, 2017 in the Forgotston Chapel at Touro Synagogue, 4238 St. Charles Ave., at 10:00 AM, with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM. Rabbi Alexis Berk will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Greg Friedler Fund for Creative Expression, c/o Jewish Endownment Foundation, 615 Baronne St., #150, New Orleans, La 70113. Condolences may be expressed online at www.tharpsontheimerfh.com. Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home of Metairie is in charge of arrangements.