HARRIET ROSENBLUM Obituary

ROSENBLUM--Harriet Sharon, lifelong resident of Brooklyn, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2020 surrounded by family. Harriet will be lovingly remembered by brother Marc, his wife Andrea and their children Amie and Taylor; and sister-in-law Patricia, her daughter Eryn and son Seth and his wife Carly. She was predeceased by her beloved brother Kenneth and parents Leonard and Sylvia. Harriet was a dedicated elementary school teacher at PS 321 in Park Slope. Her career spanned nearly 50 years and touched the lives of thousands of students. A private family funeral will be held on Sunday, October 4th.

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Published by New York Times on Oct. 4, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for HARRIET ROSENBLUM

13 Entries

Katya Herkelrath

April 2, 2025

It is with a heavy heart that I honor the memory of my third-grade teacher, a woman whose influence has shaped my life in ways she may never have realized. Fifteen years ago, when I was just eight years old, I spent a single year in her classroom-a year that left an indelible mark on me. Now, at 23, her presence still lingers in my thoughts daily. She is perhaps one of my only teachers that I remember by name.
She was a rare force: resilient, intellectual, and honorable to her core. Some parents deemed her too strict, even pushing for her resignation, but she stood unwavering-a version of womanhood I had seldom encountered. She spoke to me not as a child, but as an equal, a longtime friend from some past life. During a time when I felt lost, she saw something in me-something far from hopeless-and nurtured it with a quiet, unshakable belief. She instilled in me the confidence I´d always sought, even as I rolled my eyes at math, a subject I was never good at. From our very first meeting, she declared I´d be a mathematician. Against all odds, I became exactly that.
Though she may have long forgotten me, her legacy endures in the resilience, confidence, and authenticity she modeled so effortlessly. She was unapologetically herself-a gift she unknowingly passed on to me. I carry her spirit forward, striving to live with the same boldness and integrity. Thank you, my teacher, for seeing me, for believing in me, and for being you. Your impact will never fade.

Clayton Davis '28

September 29, 2024

she was my teacher for her last 3rd grade class before she retired and later left us and I can clearly say that she was my favorite teacher and the one that changed my life for the better. i take her lessons and free cookies with me everywhere i go because she is the one who showed me how to do my times tables and write good cursive. all her free homework passes are still with me to this day as I miss her so much.

Jennifer Cain

December 30, 2020

Mrs. Rosenblum was a true teacher, and I'm deeply grateful to have known her. My 23-year old son easily names her as his favorite teacher of all time. Learning his times tables and cursive writing in her class made him feel accomplished, and he carried that self-confidence with him for years afterward. As a teacher, Mrs. Rosenblum was tough but fair, encouraging but honest and the students knew she cared for each them. Our family will cherish the memory of Mrs. Rosenblum and for her long career of inspiring young people.

Gisela Ireland mom to Indi

October 27, 2020

Ms Rosenblum was my daughter's favorite elementary teacher. She remembers her humor and eating bananas and pepsi at her desk.

Kelly Fitzgerald

October 8, 2020

My daughter was so lucky to have Ms. Rosenblum as a teacher at PS 321. She was tough but fair in just the right ways, and my daughter learned so much from her. My condolences to her family.

Ben Austin

October 7, 2020

Mrs. Rosenblum was my daughter's very favorite teacher at PS 321. She was in Mrs. Rosenblum's 3rd Grade class and it was wonderful for her. We are all so sorry for your loss, and ours.

Alejandro Ingkavet

October 7, 2020

She was my 3rd grade teacher in 2011. What an incredible teacher, more memorable than any other I’d ever had. She gave us the freedom to ask any question whenever we’d like and she’d ask it as best she could. What a gifted educator! I won’t ever forget how much impact she’s had on my life.

Lexi D.

October 7, 2020

My oldest daughter had Ms. R. during the 2018-2019 school year and she still counts her as one of her favorite teachers, and the one who taught her to love math (what better gift can a teacher give?). She kept the class laughing with her funny stories but also encouraged them to do their best and succeed academically. We wish your family peace and comfort during this time-- know that she touched the lives of so many kids and families, and will never be forgotten.

Joy Salvador

October 7, 2020

Ms. Rosenblum taught my two eldest children and to this day they share with others she was the best teacher they ever had. We had hoped our youngest 10 years later would have had Ms. Rosenblum too since she was indeed the best! My eldest even acknowledges that Ms. Rosenblum instilled his love in math and he is now an applied mathematics major in college. She formed so many young people’s minds with math challenges and the desert project. I cherish the Mother’s Day vases that she did in class with the kids because it reminds me of how each adult leaves an impact on each child.

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers losing such a special person.

S. B.

October 4, 2020

Ms. Rosenblum ("Ms. R") was my daughter's 3rd grade teacher. She could project a tough exterior, like on the first day of school, but she was the best teacher and my daughter loved and respected her because she demanded a lot of her students. She still has her "desert project". We will never forger Ms. R.

Barbara Taragan

October 4, 2020

She was my son, Russell's, third grade teacher. He still has the times tables down pat! (After 30 years!) She and I eventually got to teach science together. A New York treasure. I am so sorry to hear about her passing.

Simone Taylor

October 4, 2020

Please except my deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time of grieving.

Lynda Cohen

October 4, 2020

I worked with Harriet for many years. We both went to Brooklyn College and graduated the same year.

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