Zaiga Freiman

Zaiga Freiman of Vernon, passed away suddenly at Manchester Memorial Hospital in Manchester, CT on December 24, 2015. Zaiga was born on April 4, 1940, in Liepaja, Latvia. At a young age, Zaiga and her parents were forced to leave her native land in 1945 due to the invasion of Latvia by Russian armed forces. They fled to occupied Germany and resided in several displaced person camps until 1950 when they were able to emigrate to the United States. Upon arrival in America, they first resided in Hartford, CT and then Woodward, Iowa where her father and mother were employed in the local Veterans Administration Hospital. Her father, Otto Lanka, who had been a doctor in Latvia, returned to school and was eventually able to obtain an MD certification. They then moved to New London, OH, where he established a doctor's office and resided there until his death in 1973. Her mother, Irma, then moved to South Windsor, CT, where Zaiga cared for her until her death in 2011. Zaiga was a member of the American-Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in Manchester, CT. For many years she was the leader and driving force of the church's Ladies Society. She organized and supervised the annual Christmas 'Tirdzins' (Bazaar) which was a major fund raiser for the church. Zaiga was a registered nurse having obtained her degree from St. Luke's School of Nursing - Western Reserve University, Shaker Heights, OH, and worked in her field at Manchester Memorial Hospital. Zaiga is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Juris Freiman. She is also survived by her brothers, George (Sue) and Eric (Laurie) Lanka. She will also be greatly missed by her three children Eric (Kathy) Freiman, Kristina (Derek) Miller and Andra (Joseph) Martz and their families. Her seven grandchildren lovingly called her 'Omi'. Her grandchildren meant the world to her and they will miss her terribly. We all find it very hard to believe that she is gone from us and will never ever forget her love and tenderness. We know that she is in a better place now and look forward to the day when we join her there. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at 11:00 AM at the American-Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church at 4 Winter Street in Manchester, CT. Burial will follow at East Cemetery. Calling hours on Wednesday will be 10:00 - 11:00 AM at the church prior to the service. Arrangements are being managed by Holmes Funeral Home in Manchester, CT, and can be contacted directly for any questions. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com

Visitation DetailsWednesday, December 30th, 2015 10:00am - 11:00am, Am. Ev. Latvian Lutheran Church
Service DetailsWednesday, December 30th, 2015 11:00am, Am. Ev. Latvian Lutheran Church
Interment DetailsEast Cemetery