Obituary for Laurie Ann Freeman Gidlow

Laurie Ann Freeman Gidlow, 77, passed away Friday, May 3, 2024. Laurie was born on March 16, 1947, in Atlanta, Georgia. She went to Grady High School, graduated from Georgia State University and received a Masters in teaching from Webster College. Laurie was a devoted teacher until her final days. She mostly taught in Richardson ISD in various elementary schools. Later in her career she became an ESL teacher. She impacted so many students and their families inside and outside the classroom. Even after retirement she went back to the classroom at Temple Emanu-El preschool. Laurie was a loyal friend, including many dating back to her childhood. She always enjoyed going to lunch with her teacher friends and playing mah jong and canasta with her girlfriends. She always had a sense of adventure for travel and was willing to pack her bags at a moments notice. The beach in Destin, FL, was her favorite place to be. She was looking forward to her most recent planned adventure in Italy next month with her husband.


Laurie was predeceased by her parents Dr. Bernard and Shirley Freeman and her younger brother Paul Freeman, all of Atlanta, GA. Laurie is survived by her husband of 53 years, Robert (Bob) Gidlow. Her two daughters Hillary (Gidlow) and son in law Craig Levy of Atlanta, GA and their daughters Allison and Suzanne. Mindy (Gidlow) and Greg Rudisill of Frisco, TX and their children Sophia and Andon Chernow and Payton-Siena Rudisill. She is also survived by her younger sister Melanie (Freeman) and Ricky Fine (Memphis, TN). Her Sisters in law Viki Freeman (Atlanta, GA) and Jane Gidlow LeMaster (St. Louis,MO) and her mother-in-law Sylvia Gidlow (St. Louis, MO) and many nieces and nephews of whom she adored.


In lieu of flowers it would be most meaningful for a donation to Temple Emanu-El Preschool of Dallas, Texas.