The Life of Harriet Caroline Kaufman
On October 26, Harriet Caroline (Lane) Kaufman died peacefully - surrounded by love at home – of vascular dementia. She was married to Raymond E. Kaufman for 56 years until his death in 2016. She was a deeply devoted Mom to Robin Kaufman (Tom Albert) and Amy Kaufman (ex-Jeffrey Rybarczyk). Harriet was MomMom to Robin’s son Benjimen Mason (Erica Ward). She was a special Aunt-Mom to Jennifer Thomas, and Aunt Harriet to many. She leaves behind her sister Mary Hunt and nieces Mary, Anne, Saundra, Christina, Noel, Karen, Cathy and nephews Walter (Susan) , Rob and Michael. Harriet was preceded in death by her sisters Gerry and Belinda and brother Richard, nephews Richard, Jimmy, Barry and Ed, and beloved girlfriends Nancy and Helen.
Harriet was born and raised in the Hamilton area and loved growing up in a full house with her 3 sisters and 2 brothers. She was an avid reader who graduated from Eastern High School.
Harriet loved to dance and met her future husband Ray at a Catholic Youth Dance. The couple was known for their enthusiastic jitterbug and polka dances and continued dancing throughout the years. Harriet and Ray started their married life waterside in Middle River. After having their daughters they moved to Parkville, then on to Bel Air where they eventually retired.
The couple always put family first and loved being parents to their 2 daughters – Robin and Amy. Harriet was very involved with her daughters’ activities; she never missed seeing Robin march in a parade or competition or Amy’s academic pursuits. After her sister Gerry’s early death, Harriet and Ray took care of her children, Jennifer and Michael. Harriet was her sister Belinda’s caregiver throughout her illness to her death. Later in life, they adored their only grandson “Benjimen Teddy Bear;” Harriet was a fun and silly playmate and cherished watching Ben.
Harriet’s curiosity led her to hold a wide array of jobs – including Nursing Assistant, Loan Officer, Legal Administrative Assistant, and more. Any job had to accommodate her rule of family first – by being the nightshift or being within walking distance access to her children.
She had a volunteer spirit and freely gave her time and talents to many. Starting when her daughters were young, she was a kindergarten teacher aide, creative activities volunteer, reading and math tutor, and led a children’s craft group at their schools. She was a dedicated marching mother for Robin’s baton corps. Harriet was an EMT at Bel Air and Kingsville Volunteer Fire Companies, and a Patient Care Volunteer at Fallston Hospital. She was awarded a Letter of Accommodation from the US Navy for her “support of the mission” by caring for Ben while Robin stood duty. When Ben was older, Harriet gardened for her church – St. Ignatius, where she also led the Craft Group.
Harriet was very creative and loved to share her passion for art. Starting at home, she organized crafts for her daughters’ birthday parties, and sewed Halloween costumes and baton corps uniforms. She became an accomplished painter and liked to cross-stitch and ribbon embroider. Her creativity extended to the outdoors by planting “zillions” of flowers in many places. She loved the simplest of things – watching clouds pass, flowers growing, children playing, and most of all – laughing easily.
Harriet had a compassionate heart and donated to children’s and young mothers’ organizations. She never missed an opportunity to come to anyone’s aid – strangers, friends or family. She gave everything she had to others without limits. Her bright smile, compassionate heart, and snarky wit will be remembered and treasured always.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration Of Life Mass on Tuesday, Novemerb 14, 2023 10:30 AM at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 533 E Jarrettsville Rd, Forest Hill, MD 21050 (stignatiushickory.org; phone 410-838-3627). Harriet’s favorite color was blue, and she would be honored if you could wear blue in her memory. The date is to be determined.
A private luncheon will be held at 12 Noon following the church service Liberatore's, 562 Baltimore Pike, Bel Air, MD 21014 (www.liberatores.com; phone 410-838-9100).
In lieu of flowers, Harriet would like a Mass Card or donation to one of the following: Anna’s House (Bel Air), Tabitha’s House (Fallston), or Extreme Family Outreach (Harford County).
Robin and Amy thank everyone near and far for their support and outpouring of love and kindness.