Harriett Wallach

Harriett Wallach

Scottsdale, AZ - 1934-2020

There are few like her. A selfless and courageous Woman, Mother, Bubbie and Dear Friend. Harriett lived a life giving authentically to those around her. She abhorred taking. Her life was singularly devoted to her three children Bonalynn Wallach (Winnetka, IL), Richard (and Stacy) Wallach (Columbus, OH) and Hilary Rubin (Scottsdale, AZ) plus two she was fortunate enough to inherit Lester (Karen) Sills (NY) and Jonathan Sills (NY). Her four grandchildren: Sophie, Chloe, Cole and Claudia. Her Grand dogs: Omar, Oswald, Milly and Cookie all were her bright lights. She was proud of them individually and treasured every visit, phone call and personal milestone they shared. Harriett was clear that she was largely fortunate to be present for the experience that was her family, her core happiness. She was a friend to any animal, rescuing dogs through her lifetime, supporting causes such as Pilot Dogs of Israel, the suffering animals in Australia and any Humane Society in her distance. She was always looking for her next furry friend even when she knew she was too sick to care for it. She was a champion for the underdog, for solidarity, for Israel and for hope. She was a lifelong Democrat with views she loved to share. She had an appreciation for all things simple, pure and authentic. She could make any garden grow into a bounty of green. Working in the garden was her peace. And even in her final weeks with tired hands she would snip a rose from the bush just to relish in its beauty. Harriett took little for granted. The beauty of Saguaro blooms, an epic sunset she caught a glimpse of through the front window, the green peaks of the McDowells after a rainstorm. All of these and so much more impacted her with personal emotion and unrelenting appreciation. More notably and impactful in her final weeks was the magical voice of her Soleri bell swaying through the back tree when the wind blew. She loved her home. Friends and their friends shared her hearty meals (some as a Sunday night ritual when in Columbus) and she was known to drop meals on porches of neighbors who became like family after the decades of sharing driveways and kid milestones. Her passion for collecting became a shared experience as friends joined her to estate sales, garage sales and flea markets. They added a lunch after or a breakfast just prior and it became weekend ritual. Most notably, though, was her collection of lifelong friends. She made new ones wherever she went , but the treasured 50, 60 and 70 year bonds were awe inspiring. Esther, Sara, Bobbi, Sarita, Phyllis, Enid....women who knew her secrets, her wit, her pain her unfailing willingness to listen and never put the focus on herself. These were her actual treasures. Harriett touched all who had the great fortune to know her. She will be profoundly missed but cherished in memory for her lessons of goodness, humility and her magnanimous heart. May her memory be a blessing.

Donations can be made in Harriett's memory to :

Carefree Caring Corp 7275 Easy Street #103. Carefree AZ. 85377

Second Chance Chimpanzee Refuge Liberia:

https://www.liberiachimps.org/

Arizona Humane Society:

https://www.azhumane.org/get-