Oceanside teacher Hope Freed, 52, dies

Hope Freed, an Oceanside kindergarten teacher who connected with students through a unique style that stressed creativity and individuality, died Saturday after a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer.

Freed, of Oceanside, was 52.

A teacher for 16 years at Oceanside's Kindergarten Center School #6, Freed was known for her provocative methods of engaging students in education.

She would dress as a pilgrim for Thanksgiving, pass around an actual cow's heart on Valentine's Day and have youngsters paint while on their backs to simulate Michaelango's methods.

"She lived to teach," said the school's former principal, Rhonda Gelbwasser. "Hope made learning come alive."

After graduating from Oceanside High School, Freed traveled and worked various jobs before going back to school at age 24 to earn her bachelor's and master's degrees from Adelphi College.

Dennis Freed said his wife of 31 years embraced all aspects of life with a smile and a positive attitude -- a message she passed to her students and two sons, Evan 24, and Ryan, 21.

SEE PHOTOSNotable deaths: Long Islanders we recently lost

"She wanted everyone to be happy and appreciate life," Dennis Freed said.

A kindergarten teacher since 1995, Freed stressed reading, math and science, colleagues said. But what separated Freed from her peers was the extra devotion to her students, particularly those with special needs, said Allison Ackerman, a teacher at the school for 16 years.

"Hope defined herself as a teacher," Ackerman said. "She was not afraid to use creativity as a valuable learning tool."

Freed's curriculum included Jackson Pollack-style art sessions and yoga. She hosted art, math, reading and writing fairs where parents could observe their children's work. And, on Wacky Wednesdays, she would dress up as Dr. Seuss or roll into class on in-line skates.

Away from the classroom, Freed was also a proficient in interior design, fashion and jewelry making, relatives said.

Freed was diagnosed with cancer seven years ago and worked until last June.

"She was an extremely strong and positive person," her sister, Sue Kurtz, said.

Freed also is survived by parents Harriet and Bernard Shurgan; a brother, Byron Shurgan; and her mother- and father-in-law, Melvin and Babette Freed.

Funeral services are at Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset at 9 Tuesday morning.

The family has set up the Hope Freed Foundation to collect donations in her memory.

They money will go to building a botanical garden at the kindergarten and to Women to Women at Mount Sinai Hospital, a program that treats patients with gynecologic cancer.

Donations can be sent to Gerald J. Feit, CPA; 1 Frederick Place, Hicksville, NY 11801.