Harriet Kaufman (nee Schneider), a 55-year Livingston resident, passed away December 1, 2022 at the age of 97. She was married for 61 years to her beloved husband, Arthur Kaufman, who predeceased her in 2008. Harriet is survived by sons Richard (Carole), Jonathan, daughter Jeanne Henner (Robert). She was also the sister of the late Jerry Schneider (Marcia).
Harriet was born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in 1925, the daughter of the late Hyman and Regina Schneider. She attended schools in New York City, and worked as a paralegal. Harriet married in 1947, and lived in the Bronx, N.Y. where she started a family, then moved to Livingston in 1967. She loved art, theater, music, education, was active with Livingston Arts Council, and served as a docent for the Montclair Art Museum. Harriet had a strong sense of social justice, and was involved with service organizations including Stepping Stones, WISH, and League of Women Voters. She also volunteered at election polls, local soup kitchens, and supported numerous charities. Other involvements included local Democratic political organizations. Her Jewish heritage was honored through membership in Temple Beth Shalom and Sisterhood. Harriet loved to cook, entertain, and host family gatherings, which were enjoyed by everyone.
She was warm, caring, decent, forgiving, wise, perceptive, compassionate, and generous, with a good sense of humor. Harriet was a people person, beloved by all, and a confident to many without being judgmental. She maintained a large circle of friends for decades, enjoyed traveling with her husband, and truly embraced life.
Funeral services were held December 4, 2022 at the Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel in Livingston, with burial at Beth El Cemetery in Paramus, N.J. Harriet will be deeply missed by her family, and friends.
The family suggests donations in Harriet’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society, Southern Poverty Law Center, Macular Degeneration Research, National Council of Jewish Women, Native American Rights Fund, and Temple Beth Shalom.
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