58 | FEBRUARY 17 • 2022
H
arriet Schiff, 86, died
in the loving presence
of family on Feb. 8,
2022.
She was born in the Bronx,
N.Y., to Helen (Rubenstein)
and Reb Irving Sarnoff. When
she was 5, the family moved
to Detroit, where Harriet
lived until two months before
her death. Her
parents frequently
offered hospitality
to Holocaust survi-
vors as they reset-
tled in the United
States. Bearing
witness to their
stories left a lasting
impression on her.
Harriet attended
school in Detroit,
where, at Central
High School at age 16, she
met Sander (Sandy) Schiff.
Harriet turned 18 on their
honeymoon. They were mar-
ried for 53 years. Through
struggles and joyous times,
Harriet and Sandy, both
strong-willed, faced life with
determination. Sander died in
2006 with Harriet by his side.
They have three children,
Dale; a daughter by marriage,
Sharon of Dayton, Ohio; the
late Robert; Chava (Stacie);
and son by marriage, Karl
Bahle of Suttons Bay, Mich.
The death of Sandy and
Harriet’s son Robby in 1968,
when Harriet was a writer for
the Detroit News, launched
her book writing career with
The Bereaved Parent, the first
book to address the issues
of parents who survive their
children.
For many years, she and
Sandy traveled the world to
work with doctors, nurses,
funeral directors and psy-
chologists on how to help
families whose children had
died. She went on to write
Living through Mourning:
Finding Comfort and Hope
When a Loved One Has
Died, and The Support Group
Manual: A Session-By-Session
Guide. She authored two
novels, Wellspring and Love’s
Journey. Her books
were translated into
several languages
and touched the
lives of hundreds of
thousands of peo-
ple.
Harriet’s depth
of compassion
prompted her to
return to work
in her 60s. While
working with staff
and marketing in nursing
homes, she authored How
Did I Become My Parent’s
Parent, based on her keen
awareness of the challenging
dynamics for adult children
caring for aging parents. She
presented signed copies to
her children saying, “Here are
your instructions.”
Harriet was a beloved
daughter, sister, wife, mother,
sister-in-law and aunt to her
nieces and nephews, who
adored her and remained
in touch to the end of her
life. Her grandchildren,
Robyn (Paul) Revelson and
Samantha (Josh) Beren, were
the delights of her life. Robyn
and Paul’s children, Jacob (7)
and Jocelyn (5), enjoyed a
close and truly special rela-
tionship with Harriet.
To Harriet’s many friends,
the family wishes to thank
you for all the love, joy and
support you gave her for
many years. Strong, deep
An Author of
Consolation
Harriet Schiff
You can honor the memory of a loved one in a most meaningful way
by sponsoring a day of Torah learning at Yeshiva Beth Yehudah.
During the coming week, Kaddish will be said for these departed souls during the daily minyan at
Yeshiva Beth Yehudah. Your support of the Torah learning of our children and our Kollel’s Torah
Scholars brings immeasurable heavenly merit. Please call us at 248-557-6750 for more information.
Some days seem to last forever…
We’re offering one that actually will.
School for Boys
School for Boys • Beth Jacob School for Girls
Beth Jacob School for Girls • Bais Yehudah Preschool
Bais Yehudah Preschool
Weiss Family Partners Detroit
Weiss Family Partners Detroit • Kollel Bais Yehudah
Kollel Bais Yehudah • Maalot Detroit
Maalot Detroit
P
.O. Box 2044
P
.O. Box 2044 • Southfield, MI 48037
Southfield, MI 48037• 248-557-6750
248-557-6750 • www.YBY.org
www.YBY.org
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