Harriet Fruchtman Feldman was born on February 7th, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York and was preceded in death by her husband Elliott Ivan Feldman in 1989. She graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.A. in Physical Education.
In 1996, Harriet was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. This marked the beginning of a long journey. She was truly a kind and wonderful woman who loved to garden. One could often find her watering her trees and the African daisies she planted together with her family each year.
Until her health condition made it impossible, Harriet was active in several organizations. She ran the Party Plan at Congregation Anshei Israel, helping to prepare the luncheon for Bar and Bat Mitzvah Kiddush ceremonies and weddings. She also built the first ever Yum-Yum tree for the synagogue annual Bazaar. Harriet ran the Alpha Lambda Chapter Housing Corporation of Alpha Epsilon Phi at the University of Arizona for nearly 40 years where all of her daughters became sisters. She was a life member of Hadassah and The National Council of Jewish women, and was the co-creator of the famous Beat Tempe parties held every other year when the University of Arizona wildcats played the Sun Devils on our home turf. Harriet was also an active member of the fundraising arm of the Tucson Symphony.
She was a devoted daughter to her mother Rose Miller Fruchtman, a devoted wife to her husband Elliott and a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother to all who survive her: her children, Gayle Merksamer (Gerald), Dr. Stefanie Feldman (Ants), Melissa Siegel, and Jon Feldman; granddaughters Marni Levasseur (Renaud), Amy Merksamer, Emily Siegel, Lily Feldman, and Natalie and Paige Feldman; and great-granddaughters Lucie and Juliette Levasseur.
Harriet is also survived by her special friends, the Bob Crowley Family. Her family would like to thank Angela Lineberger, her hospice nurse, and Klein’s Care Home of Tucson.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Tucson who were extremely helpful to Harriet’s family. Private graveside services will be held.
