Harriet Geller Greenfield

Harriet Greenfield passed away peacefully in her sleep January 28th, 2025 at age 95, surrounded by her children. Far greater than her longevity, however, was the magnitude of love she gave throughout the entirety of her life.

Harriet was born May 28, 1929 in New Rochelle, New York. She received a BA from Syracuse University in1950 and an MS in addiction counseling from Bridgeport University in 1976. As a dedicated alcohol and drug counselor for the next 25 years, she’d think nothing of dashing out at 2am to rescue a client on the edge. Her clients continued to phone years after retirement and she’d always take the call. While a devoted mother of four, she was spiritual mother and mentor to many.

In 1980 Harriet formed the Danbury Center for Living Skills, providing addiction treatment and counsel. Her recognized expertise led to her serving as President of MCAA. Shortly thereafter she launched a program for parents of troubled adolescents, introducing one of the very first ‘Tough Love’ seminars.

In 1983 she pioneered The Women’s Center of Danbury, the region’s first home for abused women. Harriet was relentless when it came to helping people in need. And her civic focus was broad: from leading the Junior Service League and chairing the Red Cross Blood Drive, to serving on the YMCA Regional Board of Directors.

Throughout her life, Harriet was an avid athlete and nationally ranked doubles tennis player. When her alma mater Syracuse University had no women’s tennis team, she became the number two player on the men’s team. In 1975 she spearheaded a movement at Danbury High School for female equity in sports, which led to the creation of D.H.S.’s first interscholastic girl’s tennis team.

As a tireless advocate for women’s rights, Harriet organized and led Danbury’s participation in the March on Washington for the Equal Rights Amendment. She was always breaking down barriers to equal treatment.

Harriet loved playing piano, dancing, skiing, tennis, gardening, Scrabble, Frank Sinatra and her puppy, Maggie. Warm, witty and wise, she was as humble as she was gifted. Those lucky enough to have brushed with this extraordinary woman would be forever changed.

Harriet Greenfield was predeceased by her husband Michael with whom she shared a 72 year love affair. She is survived by her children, Andrew, Debra, Ken and Jonathan; daughters-in-law Anne Lantz and Marcia Knight; grandchildren Austin, Jason, Ashley, Shaela and Kinsey and great grandchildren Liv, Max and Wes