Harriet Keir-Klein, 94

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Harriet Keir-Klein died June 13 at Hallworth House. She was the beloved wife of the late Herman Keir and the late S. William Klein. Born in Brooklyn, New York, a daughter of the late Jacob and Mary (Parnass) Cutler, she had lived in Providence since 2015, previously living in Warwick and Florida. Harriet also spent her early retirement years in the Berkshire Mountains, Massachusetts, and while there, volunteered at Hancock Shaker Village and Tanglewood. 

While raising her children, Harriet conducted telephone surveys for the American Research Bureau.  She was later a bookkeeper and accountant, first in private industry and then in civil service and lastly was the assistant to the comptroller at Nassau Community College in New York.  Harriet attended Boody Jr. High School, Erasmus High School, Brooklyn College, and later earned a bachelor’s degree at the age of 52 from Empire State College.

She raised her family in Jewish conservative traditions and was a member of Midway Jewish Center in Syosset, New York, was active in its sisterhood, and was later a member of Temple Sinai. Harriet found bible studies to be enriching and was also interested in studying history and current events.  She volunteered and donated to many nonprofit organizations, including JAFCO and Hadassah. She was also a member of the Eastern Star and Mensa.  In her leisure time, Harriet enjoyed reading novels, live theater, opera, traveling, playing cards, and keeping in touch with her many friends. 

 She was the devoted mother of Michele Keir and her husband, Richard Blackman, of Warwick, Jeffrey Keir of Foxboro, Massachusetts, and the late Wendy Keir, Ph.D. She was the dear sister of the late Lillian Bassett, Ruth Bloom and Vicky Silver. She was the loving grandmother of Benjamin Keir Blackman, Ph.D., and Rachael Keir Blackman, M.D., Ph.D.

Contributions may be made to American Parkinson’s Disease Association, PO Box 41659, Providence, RI 02940 or Hadassah, 17 Pocahontas Dr., Middletown, RI 02842. 

obituary, Keir-Klein