Obituary
Harriett J. Kessler (nee Kahn) of Baltimore, Maryland passed away on November 15, 2021 at age 91. Cherished mother of Elisa "Lisa" and Gary Scherr, and Suzanne Kessler; devoted sister of the late Joan “Josie” Kahn, the late Thelma and Philip Richman, and the late Journet Kahn; loving sister-in-law of Charlotte and the late David Kessler and the late Florence and Dr. Stanley Yaffe; dear family of Doris and the late Karl Scherr, and Gloria Gordon; beloved daughter of the late Ellis and Rose (nee Samuelson) Kahn. Also survived by loving nieces, nephews, other loving family, and dear friends.
A lifelong lover of music, literature, and the arts, Harriett taught both music and English at Milford Mill High School and piano privately to countless Baltimore area students, the latter through age 88. Teaching brought Harriett immeasurable joy. Nothing pleased her more than encountering past students, who shared with her their memories of learning and of her, whom they always called their favorite teacher.
Born on October 8, 1930 in Baltimore City, Harriett was the youngest of four children. Her father Ellis was an operatic tenor, and her sister Josie was an operatic alto. Sister Thelma also sang. Family gatherings were intimate concerts, with young Harriett, endearingly nicknamed “Hatsie,” on piano.
Harriett trained in classical piano at Baltimore’s Peabody Conservatory (now part of Johns Hopkins University) and majored in music and English at Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College) in Westminster, Maryland. Ever the enthusiastic scholar, she returned to higher education years later, earning her Master of Liberal Arts at Johns Hopkins University.
While Harriett’s commitment to the arts and education was strong and enduring, her greatest dedication was to her daughters, Lisa and Suzanne. And her daughters were likewise dedicated to her. Harriett’s love of learning, teaching, and the arts and her resilient spirit live on in them.
Services are private. Please omit flowers. Contributions in Harriett’s memory may be sent to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Sol Levinson. www.sollevinson.com