Harriet N. Kruman

KRUMAN: Harriet N. Kruman, born in 1927, of Teaneck, New Jersey since 2014, formerly a life-long resident of Pittsburgh, on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026; Beloved wife of 60 years to the late Julius (Jules) Kruman; loving mother of Nathan and mother-in-law of Charlotte; Bubbi of grandchildren, Esther, Gavriel, Naftali and Eliora Kruman; sister of the late Sylvia (Edward) Wittlin, Pearl (Harry) Salz and Irwin Willie (Fran) Newman; sister-in-law of the late Dr. Bernard and Shirley Fisher, and the late Estelle and Jack Kruman. Also, Aunt Honey, Aunt Harriet, Hench and even Mrs. Aunt, to many loving nieces and nephews. She was the daughter of the late Esther and Nathan Newman. Harriet was a trailblazer in women’s roles, as one of the two first female presidents of a United Synagogue of American region 1977 to 1980, and the first female president of a major Conservative congregation, Congregation Beth Shalom of Pittsburgh, 1980 to 1982. She was also active in other community organizations. At age 80 Harriet wrote and had published a book, “The Huddled Masses: the History of Jews in the Former Soviet Union”; in 2016 “Five Star Residents’ Memoirs and Life Stories,” and two children’s books. In her current Five Star Independent Living residence, she was chairperson of its library, and active in its choral group. Graveside services and interment will be held on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Beth Shalom Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Shalom, 5915 Beacon Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated. PJC