Jo Doris Freedman

Jo Doris Freedman, 92, of Niskayuna passed away on November 13, 2024 after a brief illness. Jo is predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Fred A. Freedman. She is survived by her children Debra Codispoti and husband Vincent of Wellesley Hills, MA; Lisabeth Neufeld of Clifton Park, NY; and Melissa Croteau and husband William of Arlington, VA. Jo also is survived by six grandchildren: Michael Codispoti of Lincoln, RI; Nicole Codispoti of Boston, MA; Jacqueline Rahn of Norfolk, MA; Michelle Hearne of Holly Springs, NC; Andrew Neufeld of Niskayuna, NY; and Jodi Gimeno of Barcelona, Spain. She also is survived by niece Nancy Ross of Florham Park, NJ; nephew Paul Friedman of Scarsdale, NY and eight great-grandchildren.

Jo was born and spent her childhood in Newark, NJ.  After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from Skidmore College in 1953 she spent two years in Knoxville, TN while Fred was stationed in the Air Force, and then settled down in Niskayuna for the rest of her life. There, she raised her children, was a member of the Congregation Gates of Heaven where she was active in the temple Sisterhood, and gave her time to numerous charitable causes.

In 1970 Jo launched a professional career when she enrolled in the Ellis Hospital School of Nursing. Her Ellis graduation in 1973 was remarkable for the numerous awards bestowed upon her for academic excellence, including the Joseph Whitmore Smitley Award for achieving the highest grade average in nursing of anyone in her class.

Jo was an outstanding RN at Ellis Hospital where she worked primarily as an Infection Control Nurse until she retired in 1995. Known affectionately as “the bug lady,” she doggedly tracked down issues of concern, provided staff training, and wrote procedures that made the hospital a safer environment for patients.

Following retirement, Jo’s work in medicine continued as a volunteer. She spent many years as a member of the AARP National Legislative Council in Washington where she testified in support of health care policy. She also was a long-time volunteer at a free health care clinic in Schenectady that provided essential services to those in need.

Throughout her life, Jo was a member of the Edison Club, and later the Schenectady Curling Club. She was an avid reader who loved a good library, and participated in numerous bridge and golf leagues. She also enjoyed sailing on Lake George with Fred.

Jo’s passion about human health and welfare was matched by her concern for our four-legged friends. In addition to sharing her home with numerous cat and dog family members throughout her life, Jo gave generously to many animal welfare charities and was a financial supporter and board member of the Animal Protective Foundation in Schenectady.

Contributions in Jo’s memory may be made to the Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave., Schenectady, NY, 12302.