NIRENSTEIN, Harriet Ann (Shapiro) Age 79, of Wayland, MA and formerly West Simsbury, CT passed away peacefully on Friday, February 11 surrounded by her loving husband and three daughters. Harriet was the treasured wife of Ken for 53 years; the most amazing mother to her three daughters, Faith Krasnow and her husband Mark of Sudbury, MA, Melissa Berkowitz and her husband Adam of South Natick, MA, and Julie Green and her husband Matt of West Simsbury, CT. She was the adored Grammy to Jonah, Benjamin and Eliana Krasnow, Halle and Lily Berkowitz, and Alexa and Gabriel Green. Harriet was the devoted daughter of the late Arthur and Sara Shapiro. She leaves behind many beloved relatives and friends, including her sister Jane Shapiro, who was so special to her. Harriet was born on January 3, 1943 in Cambridge, MA to the late Arthur and Sara Shapiro. She grew up in Auburn, Maine and from the time she was a little girl spent her summers at her parents' beach house in Pine Point, Maine. She was thrilled to continue sharing that tradition with her growing family over the years, never missing a summer walking the beach. Harriet and Ken got married in 1968 and settled in West Simsbury, CT. She began her career as a teacher and was proud to go back to school to obtain her master's degree in English as a Second Language. She loved teaching and meeting students from all over the world in her role as a professor at the University of Hartford. Harriet enjoyed traveling with Ken, shopping, and spending time with her family. The many that loved her will miss the sparkle in her eye, her beautiful smile, her humor, her fashion advice, and her kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Also, please consider honoring her memory and wishes by donating blood to the American Red Cross, particularly during this critical blood shortage. Funeral Services will be held at noon on Tuesday, February 15 at Weinstein Mortuary at 640 Farmington Avenue in HARTFORD, CT. For those joining in person, please follow COVID precautions and wear a mask. For those unable to join in person, the service will be available virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7518169591?pwd=WEtmUzI2b1AzaVlyV0w4dlVkTG0xdz09 •Meeting ID: 751 816 9591 •Passcode: 2UbVKx Shiva at the home of Julie and Matt Green on Tuesday, February 15 from 3:30 – 7:00 with service at 6:00 p.m.

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Published by Boston Globe from Feb. 13 to Feb. 14, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for HARRIET NIRENSTEIN

6 Entries

richard dennis kronenfeld

September 24, 2023

Kenny, so sorry to learn about Harriet's passing. She was a wonderful friend of my sister, Vicki, during our growing up years in Auburn and beyond. Our family's knew each other well and I always considered Harriet a friend of mine. We had close contact with the Shapiro family in those years. I went to school with her brother Larry and her dad, Arthur, was President of the Lewiston/Auburn Jewish Community Center when my dad served as Director. I remember Harriet as a bright light, lots of fun, warm, witty, sensitive, a great sense of humor, and always good company. That why my sister and all her friends loved Harriet so much. Having lost Vicki two years ago, I can understand your sorrow at this time. I extend great sympathy to you and your family. My best always, Richard Kronenfeld

Paula Baird

February 16, 2022

I send my condolences to Harriet's family. I worked with her at the University of Hartford. She was an excellent teacher and a kind and caring colleague.

Alan Nelson

February 14, 2022

Ken.....my condolences go out to you and your family. I know how stressful her ordeal has been...especially during Covid.....and I'm sure
that.....in due time.....your grief will abate and Harriet's memories will evoke smiles that show how blessed you all were to have had her in your lives. May she rest in true peace.

Zoe Beckerman Katz

February 14, 2022

Faith,
My deepest sympathies to you and your entire family. Funny all these decades later I still have the clearest memory of your beautiful mother and her great smile, I can even hear her voice as made sure we weren't getting into trouble ("Faaaaith?!"). May her memory be a blessing and a comfort to you all. Sending hugs.

Michael Verdun

February 14, 2022

Ken and family - Donna and I were saddened to learn of Harriet´s passing. Harriet was such a bright light and so welcoming to everyone she met. We loved our trips to
Long Boat Key when we had a chance to
visit you & Harriet and enjoy good times.
We hope that your wonderful memories of
Harriet will sustain you at this difficult time.
We will miss her and her wonderful smile. May her memory be a blessing. You are in our thoughts.
Donna and Mike

Ken Kolpan and Elizabeth Solar

February 14, 2022

We wish we got to know Harriet better. She was a beautiful person with a kind spirit. May her memory be a blessing to all who know and love her.
Ken Kolpan and Liz Solar

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