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Harriet

(E.)

Giddon

Obituary

Harriet E. Giddon, of West Hartford and Bloomfield, age 96, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2014. Born Harriet Ethel Cohen on January 12, 1918, in Bridgeport, CT to Max and Lina Belle Cohn Cohen, and raised in Fairfield, CT with her sibling Erwin (Cohen) Cole, she moved to the Hartford area to marry her husband of 62 years, Atty. A. Arthur Giddon who passed away in 2010.

She has been a loving, caring, devoted matriarch to her daughter Pamela Giddon Freedman and husband, Roger Freedman; her son, Dr. Richard Giddon and wife, Audrey; her three grandchildren and spouses, Sloane Giddon, Esq & Dan Ackerman; Devon Giddon and Jason Bordenick; and Dr. Derek Giddon and Carmen Elortegui; and step grandchildren, Dara and Ross Dyer and son Dylan, and Landon Chase; her nieces and nephews Merritt and Beth Cole; Wendy Cole; Matthew Cole; Donald and Phoebe Giddon; and cousins Lisa and Cindy Cole.

She attended Smith College and served as treasurer of the 50th reunion of the Class of 1939. Her career started as the society editor of the Bridgeport Herald until she moved to Boston where she worked for Leonard Bernstein’s father’s company and met her future husband. After they married in 1948, they settled in Hartford where Harriet’s mother’s family, the Cohns/Coles, resided including Cyril Cole, Morton Cole, Ethel Cole, Beatrice Cole and Albert Cohn.

Harriet was an exceptional hostess and an engaging conversationalist. Her warmth complimented her husband’s intellect, and she dazzled guests with her hors d’ouevres and party presentations. Harriet was a gifted writer, and her notes were appreciated and valued by the recipients. She had a passion for flowers, gardening and flower arranging. She also was an accomplished bridge player and played for many years right to the end of her life.

In the Hartford community, she had been Vice President of Brandeis Women’s Committee as well as Vice President of Council of Jewish Women, serving as its representative to the G. Fox Service Bureau. She was a board member of the Hartford Symphony’s women’s committee and served on the advisory board for the West Hartford YWCA. She was co-president with her husband of the Braeburn PTA, and she was a longtime member of Congregation Beth Israel. She was a regional leader for Weight Watchers’ during their early decades, working with the founders.

Harriet and Arthur had moved to Duncaster Residential Community in 2008. Her style and elegance added to her beauty, and she always was seen in full color, coiffed with earrings, bracelets, scarves and lipstick.

The family is so grateful to the Duncaster and MacLean’s staffs for their professionalism and kindness. Most importantly, we thank Carmen Julien and Antonia Burgos, her two long-time, dedicated companions, for their love and care.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 7 at 1PM in the Chapel of the Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave., Hartford with Rabbis Stephen Fuchs and Michael Pincus officiating. A memorial period will be held at her Duncaster home at 40 Loeffler Road, #TW440 (use pool entrance) Bloomfield on Thurs from 3:30-8PM and Fri, August 8 from 1-5PM. . Contributions can be made to: Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215 or to Congregation Beth Israel Library Fund, 701 Farmington Ave, WH, CT 06119. For further information or to sign the guest book for Harriet, please visit online at weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm

Guest Book For

Harriet Giddon

(E.)

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From: Wendy Cole

From Bryn Mawr, PA.

Posted On: August 7, 2014

Dear Pam and Richard,I'm so sorry I can not be with you.After I wiped away my tears,I noticed the reference to her hors d'ouevres in the obituary.And my sorrow, briefly, was replaced with a vast amount of memories...her visiting me in Boston with her Aunt Harriet care packages. Always hoping they would include her cheese puffs. Her letting me climb the tree at our grandparents home, walking on Jennings Beach with her and grandmom Lynn.Most importantly,I could not have asked for a better aunt. Always there for me without hesitation. Love, Wendy

From: Chris Dunbar

From Windsor, CT

Posted On: August 18, 2014

Our sympathies and prayers to Pam's and Richard's families. It is so very difficult to lose a parent. Both Harriet and Arthur were extremely good friends with my mother, Mollie Dunbar. My daughter, Tiffany Wandy and I were included in many joyful activities and visits.Harriet was a wonderful, thoughtful, good conversationalist and fun person person always looking impeccable. She will be missed by many.
Love, Mollie, Tiffant and Chris

From: Barbara Levine

From Avon, CT

Posted On: August 7, 2014

So sorry to hear that Harriet has passed away and also sorry that I will be unable to be with you at the funeral or during visiting hours.I have many happy memories of times shared together with both of your parents.

My thoughts are with you at this time.

From: Gypsy

From Newington, CT

Posted On: August 7, 2014

Growing up right behind the Giddon's home in West Hartford I can only remember how beautiful Mrs Giddon always presented herself she was such a gracious person always inviting us in for something to eat the legacy she left for all of us is a country mile long , she will be missed in body but never in her spirit, that will remain in all our hearts . You had a great run Mrs Giddon god bless you , a neighbor from the " old hood " Gypsy Joe Grillo

From: Arlene Neiditz

From West Hartford, CT

Posted On: August 5, 2014

Pam-So sorry about Mother. I always admired her, her charm, intelligence and warmth, from our earliest meeting at WWers and throughout the years. Dan and I extend our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Arlene Neiditz

From: Ruth Saphirstein

From E. Hampton, CT

Posted On: August 6, 2014

Dear Pam and Richard, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember all those holidays our families have spent together. And so many more childhood memories we all shared. Know that I am thinking of you all and will see you very soon. Love, Ruthie

From: Bunny and Irving Sapihirstin

From New Rochelle, NY

Posted On: August 6, 2014

Pam and Richard - We are thinking of you in your time of loss. We wish we could be there for you and for the service to honor your mother, but unfortunately we are now in long-time care at United Hebrew in New Rochelle, NY. But you know we are always by your sides! Love always, Bunny and Irving

From: Judy Rosenthal

From Hartford, Connecticut

Posted On: August 5, 2014

Dear Pam,

Your mother was truly an elegant, genuinely kind hearted woman, who was a leader of her generation. I know how proud you were of her, and I hope that you use those wonderful memories you often share, when you remember her and your dad. Harriet will be truly missed, and may her memory be for a blessing. It was distinct pleasure to have known her, especially in the very unique way we met.
Please know she is at peace now, and I hope that with time, you can find some peace as well.

Fondly,

Judy Rosenthal

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