[2] For decades the photograph was misattributed in popular culture as being that of a nurse, however, Friedman was wearing a white uniform because she was a dental assistant.

Supporting herself as a dental assistant, she then took classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and studied costuming with the New School of Social Research Dramatic Workshop, led by Erwin Piscator.

Later, while living in New York in the 1940s and 1950s, she variously worked in toy design and doll clothing, in early television with the Bil Baird puppets, and in summer theater at the Camp Tamiment Playhouse.

[citation needed] On V-J Day, August 14, 1945, Zimmer had left work at the dental office dressed in her uniform and was in Times Square among those gathering in anticipation of an announcement of the end of World War II, when a stranger dressed in a Navy sailor uniform grabbed her and kissed her.

[2][5] Photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt, who was in Times Square to document the event, captured the moment in four frames with his Leica.

V-J Day in Times Square became iconic and was viewed popularly as a romantic photograph taken during the 1945 victory celebrations.

[11] Mrs. Friedman also maintained the acquaintance and accompanied George and Rita Mendonsa to civic events and anniversary commemorations of V-J Day, although advancing age limited these appearances.