Media - Documenting Maine Jewry

HARRIET KATZ -- OBITUARY

Harriet passed away peacefully at her daughter's home in Readfield, Dec. 14, 2018, surrounded by family and her devoted care givers. She was 92.She was born in 1926 in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Louis and Sophie Forman. She grew up in the Brighton Beach neighborhood, not far from Coney Island with her brothers, Milt and Maury, and sisters, Ethel and Flo. She remembered fondly that on hot summer nights, she would wait for her father to return from work in the garment sweatshops of the Lower East Side, and they would take late night swims together in the nearby ocean. As a teenager, her family moved north to the Bronx, where she attended Taft High School. Upon graduation, she worked in a defense factory for the Army. In 1947, while on a holiday with girlfriends at a hotel in the Catskills, she met a man named Sid, who had recently returned from serving in the Air Force. She beat him in a competitive game of ping pong and, in January of 1948, Sid and Harriet married during a memorable blizzard. They spent the next 68 years together building a beautiful life for their two children and grandchildren. When their children began school, Harriet took a job as a switchboard operator at the newly established Kingsborough Community College. She stayed at the college for over two decades, working her way up to the position of Assistant Business Manager. She was much respected by faculty and administration. Her mind for finance was amazingly sharp. She was a stickler for precision and detail. In 1987, she and Sid retired and moved to Maine to be near their children and grandchildren. They settled in Augusta. During these years, Harriet was an avid walker and swimmer, and traveled with her family to Montana, Israel, Poland and England. Harriet volunteered in many community organizations. She served on the Visual Arts Committee at UMA. For 25 years she and Sid volunteered at the old Maine General hospital. Together they were among the originators of the popular Smiley Program. Harriet was a natural teacher. With patience and humor, she guided children, parents and teachers with the goal of making the hospital a friendly place. Later, she and Sid joined the hospital's Art Committee, organizing exhibitions of Maine artists. Not only did they bring beauty into the institution for employees and visitors, but the success of this program raised hundreds of dollars for the hospital. Harriet also served on many committees at Temple Beth El. She and Sid were known for their dedication to their Jewish community. Harriet's home was always a welcoming destination for family and friends. Her cooking was legendary. In fact, a sign over her kitchen door read "Bub's Pub." No one ever left her home hungry. Anyone she knew who was sick would be surprised with a delivery of steaming fresh chicken soup. Family was the center of her existence. Her love was intense and unconditional. Her smile could light up the room. Her family was nurtured by her support and enthusiasm. Harriet is survived by her son, Robert and his wife, Stacey, daughter, Elaine and her husband, Martin; and her much loved and cherished grandchildren, Rachel, Shaina, Noah and Ava. Her family is most appreciative of the care she received for over 30 years from Kennebec Internal Medicine, including Dr. Kane, Dr. Strickland, and their assistants Heather and Amanda, as well as the entire staff of the dental office of Dr. Kanozak. No words are sufficient to describe the loving care Harriet received from her team of caregivers. It was their tireless energy, tenderness and skill that enabled Harriet's wishes to be fulfilled.There will be a memorial service on Sunday, December 16 at 10 a.m. at Temple Beth El in Augusta. Donations in Harriet's memory may be made to the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine, Temple Beth El in Augusta, and Androscoggin Hospice.

Thank you to Sherri Quint for the information

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HARRIET KATZ -- OBITUARY