Harriet "Hattie" Katatsky

Harriet (Hattie) Levine Katatsky, proud WWII Navy Veteran, devoted mother, supporter of women’s and civil rights, and lifelong Democrat died January 7, 2021 at the Golden Hill Rehabilitation Center, Kingston NY. Mrs. Katatsky was 100 years old.

Born in the Rondout section of Kingston, the daughter of Benjamin and Rachel Bahl Levine, Mrs. Katatsky was the youngest of 5 children. Her mother was widowed when Harriet was 4. As a small child, she survived typhoid fever and the Great Depression. Sadly, she could not escape the current long and difficult isolation due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Harriet was a graduate of Kingston High School, class of 1937 and Albany Teachers College (SUNY Albany) class of 1940. Harriet enlisted in the US Navy in 1944. She was honorably discharged in 1946 as a Storekeeper 2nd Class having received the American Theater and Victory medals.

After returning to Kingston, Harriet married Nathan Katatsky in 1946, becoming a farmer’s wife. Together they operated K’s Poultry Farm, Esopus, NY where they raised their two daughters, Marilynn and Eileen.

In the mid-1960s Harriet and Nathan moved to Kingston where they each followed new career paths. Harriet was excited by the newly establish Ulster County Community College and was one of their first hires, employed as a secretary there for 13 years. Harriet also assisted her husband at First Albany Corp, was a substitute teacher, and volunteered for many charitable and political organizations.

Harriet was also a life member of the American Legion Post 150, Kingston Hospital Auxiliary, Hadassah, UCSPCA, and active member of the Congregation Agudas Achim where she served on the Board of Trustees and the Sisterhood. She was a volunteer for such varied organizations as the Kingston Hospital, Planned Parenthood, the late Congressman Maurice Hinchey. She crocheted scores of blankets for newborns and veterans and was dedicated to the advancement of civil and women’s rights. Harriet was an accomplished Bridge and Mah Jong player and lifelong Democrat. Harriet was fortunate to vote in the 2020 election and her advice was to “Vote Row A, All The Way”. Harriet will be remembered for her great empathy for others, a caring heart and generosity to all. A life well lived.

Mrs. Katatsky was predeceased by husband Nathan Katatsky in 1990, sisters, Dorothy Silver, Sylvia Block, and brothers Morton and Lawrence Levine.

Mrs. Katatsky is survived by her two daughters Marilynn and husband Col Richard Kaufmann of Naples, Florida, Eileen and husband Ronald Augustine of Kingston, her devoted caregivers Wendy and Linda Boice, and her dear cousin Eli Basch. Loving nieces and nephews also survive.

Due to Covid-19 concerns, a private graveside service was held at the Montrepose Cemetery, Kingston, NY January 8, 2021.Rabbi Yitzhak Hecht officiated.

Simpson-Hammerl Funeral Home is honored to assist the family of Harriet with the arrangements.

The family requests that memorial donations in Harriet’s memory be made to Congregation Agudas Achim, Kingston, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York or to the charity of your choice.