Roberta Susan Harkavy

It is with much sadness that we share Roberta Susan Harkavy, 88, of Brooklyn, NY, retired teacher in New York City, died Friday, December 1, 2023, at Shady Grove Hospital in Rockville, Maryland.
Roberta was born in Bronx, NY. She attended Hunter College, and met & married Judge Ira B. Harkavy in 1957. They lived together in Brooklyn, raising their family of 3 boys. Roberta loved her years working as an ESOL teacher in New York City and working for Brooklyn College. She was an active member of Hadassah, B'nai B'rith, and numerous other organizations. In 2013, she moved to New Jersey to be closer to family, and moved again in 2022 to live in Rockville, Maryland near her other son and grandchildren.
Roberta was a caring grandmother, mother, sister, aunt, teacher and camp mother. She loved to sing and dance, and music continued to bring her joy throughout her life. She was groundbreaking in her synagogue, Madison Jewish Center, pushing for women's rights and participation - she held onto her faith dearly, and loved to honor and participate in Jewish traditions and study.
Roberta never learned to drive, instead biking and taking public transportation everywhere. She loved to talk politics, and was incredibly intelligent and kind. She was adamant in her beliefs, and always had her own opinions. Roberta was very much her own person; she danced to her own tune (or marched to her own kazoo). Roberta was committed to her family: 3 sons, 3 daughters-in-laws, 6 grandchildren (& a grandchild-in-law), a sister, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and students. She will be missed. She lived an enjoyable, loving, happy, and fulfilling life, and was an active part of her community.
She is survived by her children Steven Harkavy (wife Jodi, children Melissa (Zach Magnotta) and Brian), Daniel Harkavy (wife Jody, child Ethan), and Elliot Harkavy (wife Jessica Brodey, children Micah and Maya).
Funeral service will be graveside at Old Montefiore on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 1:00 pm. Shiva will take place as follows:
Following the funeral on Monday, December 4, 2023, the family will be holding shiva at the home of Steven and Jodi Harkavy, 7:00-9:00 pm.
New Jersey: Shiva will continue in New Jersey at the home of Steven and Jodi Harkavy Tuesday, December 5, Wednesday, December 6, and Thursday, December 7 from 1:00-4:00 pm and 6:30-9:00 pm.
New York: Shiva will continue in New York with Daniel and Jody Harkavy at Temple Beth Sholom, 171-39 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11358 on Tuesday, December 5 from 6:00-9:00. Additional shiva will be held on Zoom Wednesday, December 6 and Thursday, December 7 from 5:00-9:00 pm.
Maryland: Shiva will continue in Bethesda, Maryland with Elliot Harkavy and Jessica Brodey with a Memorial service plus shiva on Tuesday, December 5 at 6:00 pm at Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814. Shiva will also be held additional days at Congregation Beth El from 7:00-8:30 pm on Wednesday, December 6 and Thursday, December 7. Shiva will resume following Shabbat Saturday, December 9, 6:30-8:30 pm at the home of Martin Brodey.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hadassah in honor of Roberta Harkavy.