An "enormous" number of colleagues of Associate Rheumatology Professor Bruce Freundlich turned out yesterday for the funeral of his daughter Lauren, who was killed Thursday in the plane crash that also killed Sen. John Heinz. Lauren, age six, was one of two schoolchildren killed on the grounds of Merion Elementary School when they were struck by debris from the accident. The plane carrying Heinz collided with a helicopter directly above the school. Medical School employees have established a fund in her name. Donations will be used for scholarships for underprivileged children to attend the University as undergraduates. At funeral services held for her yesterday at Goldstein Funeral Home, an "enormous" number of University community members turned out to support the Freundlichs, according to former Chief of Rheumatology Robert Zurier, who said the hall was "totally full and overflowing." Freundlich said last night the turnout was a "terrific help" to his family. "Every single person that came out is going to mean something to us," he said. Freundlich added that the tragedy was not only one for his family, but one for the community as well and that he "felt [he] had to help other people." "The community is of tremendous importance and help," he said. "We all desperately need each other for friendship and love and peace." Zurier praised Lauren as "an exceptional little six year old," who "loved school and learning." Freundlich added that she "was able to live life to its fullest."
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