Ethel Falkin Fried

Ethel Falkin Fried, 93, of West Hartford, passed away peacefully at home on March 9, surrounded by loved ones. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Born in Hartford to the late Edward Falkin and Ruth Berinsky Falkin, Ethel graduated as valedictorian of William Hall High School in 1950 and earned a BFA from Syracuse University in 1954. She enjoyed a distinguished 30-year career in nonprofit public relations, beginning at the West Hartford Public Library, where her innovative work earned regional and national recognition. She later served as public relations consultant to the Capitol Region Library Council, director of public relations for Hartford College for Women, and vice president for communications and development at Child & Family Services.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ethel maintained a vibrant freelance writing career as book editor for the Imprint Newspaper Group and longtime garden columnist for the Manchester Journal Inquirer. She was deeply engaged in her community, serving on the boards of the West Hartford Public Library, Congregation Beth Israel, the Hartford Women’s Network, and The Learning Center, and held leadership roles in the Public Relations Society of America and the Connecticut Horticultural Society. A talented artist, she exhibited her work in solo and juried shows throughout the greater Hartford area. In retirement, her garden became her primary creative outlet, where she tended it with passion and joy.

Ethel found great delight in classical music, especially opera, UConn women’s basketball, puzzles, reading, cooking, and the company of her cats. She was known for her homemade pesto and legendary chocolate mousse cake, but her deepest happiness came from time spent with family and friends. She was predeceased by her husband of 30 years, Norbert I. B. Fried, in 1988, her brother Howard Falkin, and her sister-in-law Barbara Fried. She is survived by her children, Ellen Fried and Edward Fried (Angela); grandchildren Caroline Fried and Landon Fried; nieces and nephews Elise Falkin, Leslie Fialkievicz (Michael), Joshua Fried (Mickey), and Emily Fried (Brad Cavallo); brother-in-law Drew Fried (Marty); and many cousins and dear friends.