All of us at the Landmarks Conservancy are celebrating the talented, enthusiastic, and productive life of our former Sacred Sites Director Ann-Isabel Friedman. We also very much mourn her loss. Ann died Friday after a valiant battle against cancer.
Ann spent 24 years with us. We admired her skilled and tireless advocacy for historic religious properties. And we cherished her friendship. Many colleagues earn respect. Ann was beloved.
Ann traveled the state visiting institutions that applied for a Sacred Sites grant. She loved climbing around buildings and examining rooftops. Her travels led to strong ties with preservation professionals and colleagues across the state. Back in the office, she spent countless hours on the phone with congregations answering questions and offering advice.
She loved her nickname as the “Jewish Church Lady.”
Ann began a citywide survey of religious properties, seeking to identify institutions that could be eligible for our help. She utilized young interns to assist, nurturing them and giving them hands-on experience. The result is an invaluable database of the City’s remarkable and diverse collection of religious architecture.
She initiated workshops on maintaining religious buildings and developing financial capacity. She was a frequent speaker at meetings and conferences.
We awarded Ann a special Lucy G. Moses Award for Preservation Service in 2025. She also received honors from the Preservation League of New York State, the Historic Districts Council, and the State Office of Historic Preservation.
Ann was also a proud and devoted wife, mother, daughter, and sister. She cherished her family and was thrilled to have time with Max, her first grandchild.
At her retirement party in 2024, City Council Member Gale Brewer presented an official proclamation honoring Ann’s service to the preservation community. After a listing of her accomplishments, the proclamation concluded: “No document could adequately convey the true impact of this amazing colleague, mentor, and friend, nor the esteem her community holds for her.”
We agree.
Watch the video above from our 2025 Lucy G. Moses Preservation Awards.