Haya Brindal Harris

Haya Brindal Harris, beloved wife to Henry Harris, loving mother to Ron and Michael Harris, grandmother to Sophia Harris, Mia Harris, Elizabeth Moore, Michelle Church and Ashley Victorino, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2024 after a two and a half-year bout with late onset dementia and eventual cardiac issues that could not be resolved. She is also survived by three lovely great grandchildren, Addison, Calvin and Hazel Moore.

Haya was born in Tel Aviv, Israel on August 27, 1931 and is the daughter of Mordechai Gershkowitz (1907 - 1954) and Rivka Brigel (1914 - 1958). She grew up in Haifa, Israel where she attended school with her younger Sister, Sarah. Due to unexpected marital issues between her parents, Haya and her sister were predominantly raised, by their dear Grandmother Esther Steigart. Haya affectionately referred to her Grandmother as “Baba” and loved her very much.

In her youth, Haya attended school in Haifa, loved to climb trees, was a fast runner, enjoyed fist fights with boys, and was known as a prankster. Haya, Sarah and her Grandmother lived modestly but somehow survived by working together. Grandmother always found a way to put food on the table for Haya and Sarah.

In November of 1947, the Israeli independence war began. Just like most of the people in Israel at that time, Haya fought in the war. She delivered ammunition, rations and supplies to troops under very dangerous circumstances. She also engaged in combat and carried a machine gun that weighed almost as much as she did. After a day of fighting, she would sometimes come home to her Grandmother with blood-stained clothing. Her Grandmother was always there to greet her with a warm meal and wash her uniform.

While living in Israel, Haya also worked in nursing and served in the police force. Later, she worked on a merchant ship where she met her eventual spouse, Henry Harris. Henry Harris, after completing his service in the British Royal Air Force remained in Israel and took the position of purser on the same merchant ship. While working on the merchant ship, they had the time of their lives. They sailed the Mediterranean and frequently stopped at various ports including Naples, Marseilles, Monaco, Cyprus and other beautiful locations.

In 1966, at the age of 35, Haya relocated from Israel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with Henry Harris. On November 17, 1969, they were married. They remained happily married for nearly 53 years until Henry’s death on March 25, 2022. They both took great care of each other on a daily basis and loved to spend time with family, play Gin Rummy, swim in their pool, and eat Mediterranean food.

In 1975, Haya, Henry and their 2 sons moved from Philadelphia to Miami, Florida. In 1976, they landed in Las Vegas, Nevada. In Las Vegas, Haya worked as a casino cashier for approximately 20 years. During this time she also served her family as a loving wife and mother. She worked hard to help her sons with schoolwork, nutritious meals, discipline and was always there to comfort in times of need.

After retiring from the casino industry, Haya began working as a volunteer at Sunrise Hospital. She truly loved to volunteer at the hospital. She loved working with the staff and patients. She also loved the cafeteria. She worked as a volunteer for more than 20 years and made her final visit to Sunrise Hospital on September 5, 2023, two weeks after turning 92. One of her proudest accomplishments was winning the Sunrise Hospital Humanitarian Award. She made some lifelong friends at Sunrise and eternal memories.

Haya loved chocolate, dogs, hard work and especially loved to serve others. If anyone she loved was hungry, she was the first to make a meal. If someone was not feeling well, she had a remedy which frequently involved making her famous homemade chicken soup with dill. She didn’t always love to cook, but cooked meals with love for her family. The family dinners she made brought our family together even when there was tension.

Haya Harris was and is the glue that held our family together. Her energy and light that she brought to others could not be depleted. She was feisty, funny, determined and loved to laugh and loved God. She made everyone she met better.

In the Hebrew language, Haya means “Life”. This translation is fitting because she was always full of energy, vigor and spirit, determination and courage.

Haya was and will continue to be a blessing in the lives of her family and friends. Her example of unconditional love, hard work, perseverance, compassion and selflessness will live on eternally. Our beloved Haya will always be loved, missed and honored. She will always be remembered as a wonderful Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and friend. God Bless You Haya.

A funeral service for Haya will be held Friday, March 29, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at King David Memorial Chapel & Cemetery, 2697 E Eldorado Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89120, followed by a committal service at 1:00 PM.