Carolyn Kriegsman

Carolyn was born on November 13, 1935 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was a very loved, only child doted upon by her parents, Ida and Morris Breitfeld. She attended Central High School and then, at the young age of sixteen went to the University of Oklahoma. At OU she was active in Hillel and excelled in her studies. Her academic track was sidelined when she was attending a Hillel President’s convention in the Pocono Mountains. Imagine numerous busses in a parking lot and everyone being told, “Grab a seat!” Randomly, Carolyn jumped on a bus and sat directly behind a handsome man with a cleft in his chin. He was reading a newspaper from Greensboro. Carolyn innocently leaned over and asked, “Where is Greensboro?” This began the forever love story between Carolyn and Ron that flourished for a lifetime. A short time later, Ron traveled by train from Chapel Hill with a ring in his jacket pocket to present to his future bride. They were 19 and 20 years old when they became engaged. Carolyn, petite and trim, presided over their brood, shuffling four kids from Hebrew school, Sunday school, cheerleading, baseball, golf, piano, stables, and BBYO. She emphasized a rich Jewish life supported by her parents in the effort to keep all her kids engaged in the synagogue and community. She and Ron were actively involved in B’nai Emunah Synagogue and enjoyed years of creating dinners and plays that were all the rage, and so much more. The Kriegsman household was always in meticulous order, open to friends and family. The food that came out of Carolyn’s kitchen was delectable, plentiful, mouth watering and always available 24/7. From the Hasty Bake to the banana cake, this was the place to be. She and Ron were entertainers and had couples over for dinner quite often. For every special occasion and holiday, there was always a plan that turned into a grand production. Their children and grandchildren flew into Tulsa never to miss an opportunity for another fabulous meal. Carolyn was a pillar of the Jewish community, a grand dame of hospitality, and the core of a group of lifetime friends. After Ron passed away, phone calls and visits were the highlight of her every day. From 11 am to 11 pm, her phone rang at intervals from four kids and her five grandchildren. Carolyn knew completely about the details of their busy lives and activities and would be known to talk, listen and advise with unconditional love. Carolyn was known for her dry wit and sense of humor. She channeled her parents’ great wisdom and was a role model of devotion to her husband and family. As her parents before her, Carolyn was involved in multiple ways at B’nai Emunah Synagogue. From president of the sisterhood to chairing several committees over the years, her talents from home translated to managing fundraisers, ticket sales, garage sales, baking and cooking for synagogue dinners. In 1968, as a young woman she touched every aspect of the synagogue’s Golden Anniversary celebration. Her love for the synagogue extended to support Ron’s synagogue presidency. Shul was her second home and she was the most supportive First Lady. Her long tenure resulted in her induction as one of the many deserving Women of Valor – also awarded to her mother. In her final years, she was the diva of the dining room at the Jewish Retirement Center. Always interested in other people, she was known as the “hostess with the mostest”. She is survived by her children, Karen Kriegsman Lerner (Seth Lerner), Mark Kriegsman (Daniel Banducci), Ted Kriegsman, and Elyse Kriegsman Evans; and five grandchildren, Michael Kriegsman, Ryan Kriegsman (fiancé Rebekah Martin), Meredith Lerner, Morgan Lerner, and Riley Evans. Graveside Service was on Friday, August 25th, at Rose Hill Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may honor Carolyn's memory with contributions to: Zarrow Pointe, 2025 E. 71st ST, Tulsa, OK 74136; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, at stjude.org. FITZGERALD IVY CHAPEL, 918-585-1151

Carolyn Kriegsman

November 13, 1935 - August 22, 2017