Harriet Gaines

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Harriet was the daughter of Rose and Theodore Davidoff. She graduated from Brooklyn College and later returned to school to receive her Master’s Degree in Education from Adelphi University after her two sons went to elementary school. She became a fourth grade teacher in Astoria, Queens, a job she loved and held for more than 25 years.

Harriet was married to her great love, Larry, for 53 years. They raised their two sons, Stephen and Jon, played golf, and traveled extensively to places as far-reaching as Puerto Rico and China.

Harriet was a bright, strong-minded, independent woman, often ahead of her time. She was a wordsmith, diligently completing the New York Times Crossword well into her later years. Scrabble games with her good friends were her weekly social ritual. She also loved going to the gym, where she found community and friendship. She read diligently and went to frequent events at the Great Neck Library. She appreciated culture and was a lifelong member of the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. She followed politics, with a special affinity for Rachel Maddow and other liberal commentators. She loved opera as well as the musical crooners, with Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett being her favorites. She enjoyed travel, both domestic and international, and took her grandchildren on trips around the world, including Alaska, Italy and London.

Harriet is survived by her son, Stephen, her two daughters-in-law Teri and Lisa, and four grandchildren, Katie (James), Rebecca (Ben), Niki and Jacob. She was predeceased by her husband Larry and her son Jon.

There will be a private family graveside service on Friday July 17, 2026. Shiva will be held at the home of Stephen Gaines and Teri Friedman at 4 Jacqueline Lane, Rye Brook, NY 10573 on Sunday, July 19, 2026 from 12 noon to 7 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to: Feeding America at www.feedingamerica.org.

May her memory be a blessing.