OLD TOWN and GLASTONBURY, Conn. – Harriet Goldsmith Hillson, 81, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 17, 2007, with her family by her side, at Manchester Memorial Hospital, after a brief illness. Harriet was born Feb. 24, 1926, in Waterville, the daughter of Frances Drourr Goldsmith and Harry Goldsmith. She was a 1946 graduate of Syracuse University, whose sports teams she actively followed. She and Harvey made their home in Old Town where they raised three adored children and were active community leaders. They moved to Glastonbury, Conn., in 2000. Harriet’s passions were her family, especially her grandchildren, her intense curiosity and love of books, symphonies and opera. She attempted to navigate the basics of golf, and always enjoyed the outdoors. She was a volunteer in many capacities at Old Town Public Library. In the early 1950s, she and Harvey helped found Temple Beth El, Old Town. For the past seven years, Harriet was a member of Congregation Kol Haverim, Glastonbury, Conn., and an active participant in the synagogue’s book group. Harriet was a gentle woman, who had great humor and stoicism and provided strength for her family. She was the beloved wife of 58 years to Harvey Hillson, who predeceased her by a year and one half. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Beth Hillson and her husband, Joel Reich, Bruce Hillson and his wife, Elizabeth, and Jennifer Hudner and her husband, Kennedy, all of Glastonbury, Conn. She leaves five cherished grandchildren, Greg and Kate Hillson, Josh and Dan Hudner, and Jeremy Reich. She is also survived by her sister, Carole Freedman and her husband, Bill, of Valley Cottage, N.Y.; several adored nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. A graveside service will be held 1:30 p.m. Friday, July 20, at Congregation Kol Haverim Cemetery, Jordan Lane Extension, Wethersfield, Conn. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Old Town Public Library, 46 Middle St., Old Town, ME 04468, or Manchester Memorial Hospital, ECHN Health Care Foundation, 71 Haynes St., Manchester, CT 06040. Funeral arrangements provided by Hebrew Funeral Associations, Inc., West Hartford, Conn.
HARRIET GOLDSMITH HILLSON
