Harriette Nancy Blechman

Harriette Blechman passed away at 79, in the company of her closest family. She died during Passover, the symbolism of which would not be lost on her.

Harriette was born in Brooklyn, NY, and lived in Bellerose, Queens. She received her B.A. in English from Queens College and a master’s from Indiana University. She was a beloved English teacher at Townsend Harris High School, and a less beloved attendance officer. She loved theater and put on many productions with her students. Many of those students kept in touch with her; she had a big impact on their lives. The only thing she didn’t like about teaching was waking up early, and we are sure she will be happy never to have to do that again.

After retiring in 2006, Harriette was Education Coordinator for Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, running seminars and symposiums for teachers on Civil Rights, the American Revolution, and more. She also returned to her alma mater to mentor student teachers.

Harriette would want everyone to know that she was a lifelong New Yorker who knew the best bagels and the fastest way to get anywhere you were going. Despite her devotion to the greatest city in the world, she traveled extensively. The Galapagos Islands, Cambridge, UK, and South Africa were among her favorites.

We will remember her as witty, outgoing, and well-read. She had many lifelong friends: travel buddies, members of her theater club, historians, and former students.

She is survived by her brother Jerry, her nieces Claire and Cheryl, and her grand-nieces Hailey, Paige, and Rachel. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Eunice Blechman.

A service will be held at Wellwood Beth Moses Cemetery on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 2 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Gilder Lehrman Institute for American History at www.gilderlehrman.org/donate