Obituary for Harriet K. Fein
Harriet Selma Kronman Fein (simply “Harriet” to friends and family alike), born April 9, 1927 in New York City, died peacefully at her Woodland Pond home on January 31, 2021 in New Paltz, NY. She had survived her beloved husband, Richard (Dick) Fein, who died December 7, 2019. She was the daughter of the late Anna and Jacob Kronman, and was predeceased by her brother, Joseph Kronman, and sons-in-law Michael Goldfinger and Laurence Paradis. Her loss is deeply felt by all.
A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Harriet loved deeply and gave of her heart widely. She was a brilliant student who attended Hunter High School in New York City and graduated at 16. Harriet was a woman ahead of her time, studying physics at the University of Wisconsin where she met her future husband. Harriet and Dick were married in Wisconsin on February 6, 1948, and then made a permanent move to Poughkeepsie, NY where they lived until leaving their Sheldon Drive home, 60 years later, relocating to Woodland Pond in New Paltz.
Harriet committed herself to her family early in her marriage to Dick. She was a talented seamstress and cook and an accomplished knitter, weaver, needle-pointer, and gardener, whose skills were widely recognized throughout her community. She kept her daughters dressed in lovely clothes, many of which she made herself. Dresses and costumes for special events emerged on a regular basis from her loving, ever-busy hands. Harriet’s green thumb kept her home and yard filled with luscious plants and lovely flowers.
One could count upon Harriet and Dick to open their home to family, friends, and acquaintances. She gave her time, effort and love, enriching and improving the lives of many people who passed her way. Her wit was sharp, her laughter hearty, and her interests varied. She and Dick traveled widely, through Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean, making life-long friends wherever they went.
Once Harriet’s daughters got older, she returned to school and obtained an advanced degree in Vocational Rehabilitation. After completing her degree, she worked at the Dutchess County Department of Mental Hygiene. As the Division Chief for Alcohol and Substance Abuse, she oversaw a comprehensive substance abuse and addiction program.
In 1982, Harriet was hired into the newly-created position of District Manager for the Mid-Hudson Valley Vocational Rehabilitation Program, covering five counties. She earned the trust of both the professional and support staff. As one of the first five women district managers in New York, Harriet was known to hold her own against the pushback from her male colleagues. Her colleagues and team members at the district, division and state levels recall being the recipients of her warmth and knowledge.
Harriet was a very strong advocate for reproductive health and served on the Planned Parenthood board for a number of years. She also served on the board of directors for Mental Health America of Dutchess County for two terms and maintained an honorary status on the board until her death. She is remembered as supporting the agency and the leadership with a warm voice and an alert ear to all threats and opportunities, a guardian angel to many people with chronic mental health conditions, a social worker through and through.
Harriet’s lifetime of hard work has been a benefit and blessing to many, and her love and devotion will be felt in perpetuity.
Harriet is survived by daughters Ellen Fein (Steve Worona), Beth Fein (Mike DiFilippo), and Judith Fein; grandchildren Philip DiFilippo (Lauren Ungs), Andrés Fein LaFlor, Rebecca Goldfinger-Fein (Rob Goodwin), Joshua Paradis, and Harold Paradis; and niece Lisa Deibler and nephew Bruce Kronman.
Services are private.The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to your local food bank or the ACLU. Condolences may be sent care of Ellen Fein, 115 Chestnut Hill Rd, Montpelier VT 05602. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wm. G. Miller & Son FH, Inc. If you wish to send an online condolence please visit our website at www.wmgmillerfuneralhome.com
A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Harriet loved deeply and gave of her heart widely. She was a brilliant student who attended Hunter High School in New York City and graduated at 16. Harriet was a woman ahead of her time, studying physics at the University of Wisconsin where she met her future husband. Harriet and Dick were married in Wisconsin on February 6, 1948, and then made a permanent move to Poughkeepsie, NY where they lived until leaving their Sheldon Drive home, 60 years later, relocating to Woodland Pond in New Paltz.
Harriet committed herself to her family early in her marriage to Dick. She was a talented seamstress and cook and an accomplished knitter, weaver, needle-pointer, and gardener, whose skills were widely recognized throughout her community. She kept her daughters dressed in lovely clothes, many of which she made herself. Dresses and costumes for special events emerged on a regular basis from her loving, ever-busy hands. Harriet’s green thumb kept her home and yard filled with luscious plants and lovely flowers.
One could count upon Harriet and Dick to open their home to family, friends, and acquaintances. She gave her time, effort and love, enriching and improving the lives of many people who passed her way. Her wit was sharp, her laughter hearty, and her interests varied. She and Dick traveled widely, through Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean, making life-long friends wherever they went.
Once Harriet’s daughters got older, she returned to school and obtained an advanced degree in Vocational Rehabilitation. After completing her degree, she worked at the Dutchess County Department of Mental Hygiene. As the Division Chief for Alcohol and Substance Abuse, she oversaw a comprehensive substance abuse and addiction program.
In 1982, Harriet was hired into the newly-created position of District Manager for the Mid-Hudson Valley Vocational Rehabilitation Program, covering five counties. She earned the trust of both the professional and support staff. As one of the first five women district managers in New York, Harriet was known to hold her own against the pushback from her male colleagues. Her colleagues and team members at the district, division and state levels recall being the recipients of her warmth and knowledge.
Harriet was a very strong advocate for reproductive health and served on the Planned Parenthood board for a number of years. She also served on the board of directors for Mental Health America of Dutchess County for two terms and maintained an honorary status on the board until her death. She is remembered as supporting the agency and the leadership with a warm voice and an alert ear to all threats and opportunities, a guardian angel to many people with chronic mental health conditions, a social worker through and through.
Harriet’s lifetime of hard work has been a benefit and blessing to many, and her love and devotion will be felt in perpetuity.
Harriet is survived by daughters Ellen Fein (Steve Worona), Beth Fein (Mike DiFilippo), and Judith Fein; grandchildren Philip DiFilippo (Lauren Ungs), Andrés Fein LaFlor, Rebecca Goldfinger-Fein (Rob Goodwin), Joshua Paradis, and Harold Paradis; and niece Lisa Deibler and nephew Bruce Kronman.
Services are private.The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to your local food bank or the ACLU. Condolences may be sent care of Ellen Fein, 115 Chestnut Hill Rd, Montpelier VT 05602. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wm. G. Miller & Son FH, Inc. If you wish to send an online condolence please visit our website at www.wmgmillerfuneralhome.com