Wilma Mann Friedman

Wilma Mann Friedman, a dedicated community leader, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully from natural causes on January 6, 2026, at her home in Encino, California.

Born on September 29, 1928 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, and raised in Tulsa, Wilma was the wife of the late Howard I. Friedman, former Chairman of the Board of the Skirball Cultural Center, past national President of the American Jewish Committee and retired managing partner of law firm Loeb & Loeb.

Wilma began volunteering at the Skirball Cultural Center in 1985 and became the founding President of the Skirball Cultural Center Volunteer Council, serving from 1996 to 2020. Also in 1985, Wilma attended the first World Conference on Women in Nairobi, a landmark event for global feminism that established strategies for women's equality and integrating them into international development initiatives. After raising her three children, Wilma worked as the Business Administrator for Friends of the Family Counseling Services from 1974 to 1980.

Together with her husband Howard, Wilma devoted her life to the Skirball Cultural Center. They traveled abroad as community leaders with the American Jewish Committee, advocating for Jewish rights and humanity throughout the world.

Wilma is survived by her daughters Lesley Friedman Bodzy (Gerald), Beth Cates (Ron), son Harry Friedman (Melanie Stern), grandchildren Sam Cates (Alexandra), Elana Cates, Joshua Friedman, Nathan Friedman, Marc Bodzy, Rachel Bodzy, and two great granddaughters. She will be missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Wilma to the Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049.