Harriet Keir-Klein

DATELINE: PROVIDENCE

Keir-Klein, Harriet, 94, died Thursday, June 13, 2019 at Hallworth House. She was the beloved wife of the late Herman Keir and the late S. William Klein. Born in Brooklyn, NY, a daughter of the late Jacob and Mary (Parnass) Cutler, she had lived in Providence since 2015, previously living in Warwick and Florida. Harriet also spent her early retirement years in the Berkshire Mountains, MA, and while there, volunteered at Hancock Shaker Village and Tanglewood.  While raising her children, Harriet conducted telephone surveys for the American Research Bureau.  She was later a bookkeeper and accountant, first in the private industry and then in civil service and lastly was the Assistant to the Comptroller at Nassau Community College in NY.  Harriet attended Boody Jr. High School, Erasmus High School, Brooklyn College, and later earned her bachelor’s degree at the age of 52 from Empire State College. She raised her family in Jewish conservative traditions and was a member of Midway Jewish Center in Syosset, NY, was active in its Sisterhood, and was later a member of Temple Sinai. Harriet found bible studies to be enriching and was also interested in studying history and current events.  She volunteered and donated to many non-profit organizations, including JAFCO and Hadassah. She was also a member of the Eastern Star and Mensa.  In her leisure, Harriet enjoyed reading novels, live theater, opera, traveling, playing cards, and keeping in touch with her many friends.

Devoted mother of Michele Keir and her husband, Richard Blackman, of Warwick, Jeffrey Keir of Foxboro, MA and the late Wendy Keir, PhD. Dear sister of the late Lillian Bassett, Ruth Bloom and Vicky Silver. Loving grandmother of Benjamin Keir Blackman, PhD., and Rachael Keir Blackman, MD, PhD. Funeral services will be held Monday at 11:00 a.m. in SHALOM MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 1100 New London Ave., Cranston. Private burial on Tuesday in NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to American Parkinson’s Disease Association, PO Box 41659, Providence, RI 02940 or Hadassah, 17 Pocahontas Dr., Middletown, RI 02842.  Shiva will be observed at 175 Birkshire Dr., Warwick, Wednesday from 2-4 p.m.

6 Comments

  1. Janet morrison
    Jun 14, 2019

    I am so sorry.. I lost my mom many years ago and I miss her to this day.. you must remember all the good times with your mom and take solace in that… again, I know how sad you must feel.. but she’s in a better place… and you will join her again one day, I do believe that.. God bless you and yours thru this tough time

  2. Brenda and David Sawyer
    Jun 14, 2019

    Our sincerest condolences to you all, Shelley, Richard, Ben, Rachael, and Jeffrey.

    We will be loving you in our prayers.

    B&D

  3. Drs. Eve & Russ Samet
    Jun 14, 2019

    Dear Shelley,
    So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. You are in our thoughts as we send our sincere condolences to you, Richard, and family.
    Love,
    Eve and Russ

  4. Barbara Ransom
    Jun 15, 2019

    I am sorry for everyone loss. I had met Harriet several times when she came to visit Jeff when he lived in Maryland. She was a good mom & grandmother. May you all keep her memories going for a long time. Love Barbara & Rick

  5. Deborah Rowe
    Jun 17, 2019

    All of the family over the pond here at Redbourne Ave knew and loved your Mum and will always remember her and her generosity towards us. We wish you long life. Love to all of you
    Deb, Ivor, Stefan

  6. Charlotte Markey
    Jun 18, 2019

    Michele,
    I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I lost my mother years ago and still miss her dearly. I’m sure that she will watch over and protect you daily.
    Charlotte

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