Obituary - HARRIET GROSS KATZ

Harriet G. Katz, age 98, of Lake Mary, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, at Oakmont Village at Lake Mary. A New York native, she was one of twin daughters born on Oct. 19, 1920, to the late Abraham and Cecelia Kaufman Gross.

Harriet was happiest being known as a wife and mother. She was fiercely proud of her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she treasured all of her family connections. The great love of her life was her husband Lou, to whom she was married for nearly 54 years. They moved first to Daytona Beach in 1941, and later to Orlando to open Oelkers Millinery on Orange Avenue. Harriet never pretended to be a cook or homemaker. She was a great saleswoman and she and Lou managed their stores in Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville for decades.

Always involved in synagogue and Jewish community life, she was a Life Member of Hadassah and, with Lou, was a Founding Member of Temple Israel. She is the last of the founding matriarchs of the synagogue.

Harriet loved to socialize, and she and Lou invited family and friends to their home on Ann Arbor Street in College Park most Sunday afternoons. Harriet enjoyed a party and a good time, and she enjoyed telling her stories. She was a good card and game player and enjoyed bridge, canasta and Mahjong throughout her life.

Her family was number one. She is survived by her sons, Charles “Dick” (Nancy) Katz of Longwood and Dr. Michael Katz (George Russ) of Raleigh, N.C., and her grandchildren—Brian (Marnie), Jana Shear, Eli and Chloe (Michael) Grant. She is further survived by her great-grandchildren—Ethan, Hadyn, Taylor, Alexandra and Jared. She was predeceased by her husband Lou in 1994, her twin sister, Lucille Leichter, and her brother, Jack Gross.

After a long and healthy life, Harriet died very loved by the family that was so important to her.

Funeral services and interment were held at Temple Israel Cemetery, Gotha, with Rabbi Joshua Neely officiating. In memory of Harriet G. Katz, the family requests contributions to Temple Israel Cemetery Fund, 50 S. Moss Road, Winter Springs 32708. http://www.tiflorida.org

Arrangements entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 640 Lee Road, Orlando FL 32810. 407-599-1180 http://www.bethshalommemorialchapel.com.