Harriett Ruth (Horowitz) Katz

WORCESTER - Harriett Ruth Katz (Hebrew name Chava Shira Bat Usher V’Clarice), age 81, of Worcester, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2026, leaving a legacy of music, devotion, and deep love for her family.

Born in Hamden, Connecticut, she was the daughter of the late Oscar and Clarice Horowitz. Harriett was the beloved wife of the late Mel Katz, with whom she shared over 50 years of marriage. She was a devoted mother to Marla O’Connor, her husband Sean of Holden, and Aaron Zev Katz, his wife Sarah Blacker of Salem. She also leaves three beloved grandchildren Matthew, Caitlin, and Jillian O’Connor, her brother Harvey Horowitz of San Diego, California, her cherished nieces Lisa Cohen and Debbie Stein along with their families in California, and her special family friend Diane Nelson.

Harriett graduated from the University of Connecticut and began her career as an elementary school teacher. While raising her family, she shared her love of the arts by teaching music and drama in various religious schools. A trailblazer in her spiritual community, she became the Worcester area’s first female to serve in a cantorial capacity at the reform synagogue of Temple Sinai, a role she proudly held for over 10 years.

Her dedication to comfort and healing led her to a 22-year career at the Jewish Healthcare Center. For 18 of those years, she served as a part-time prayer leader and cantor at both the Jewish Healthcare Center and Eisenberg Assisted Living. Harriett advanced her studies to become a certified therapeutic musician, joining the JHC Hospice Program providing soothing bedside music for those nearing end of life. Passionate about this sacred work, she helped develop and supervise the facility's hospice volunteer program for over 9 years.

Beyond her career, Harriett was a vibrant force in the local arts community. She shared her vocal and acting talents in leading roles with the Worcester County Light Opera, where she also served on the board of directors and as president for two years. Additionally, she created and hosted the Worcester area's very first Jewish radio program on station WCUW, which she proudly named Shirim—a program that continues to run under that name today.

Above all her achievements, Harriett held most dear her treasured family. She loved hosting family gatherings and holidays, was always energetic and loving, providing entertainment and song for her children, grandchildren and devoted friends.

A Graveside Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 AM on Sunday, October 18, at B’Nai Brith Cemetery, 55 St John's Road, Worcester. Immediately following, a Memorial Observance will be held at Temple Emanuel Sinai from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Arrangements are in the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Eisenberg Assisted Living, where she resided the past three years and the Jewish Healthcare Center and JHC Hospice team for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations in Harriett's memory may be made to: JHC Hospice, Eisenberg Assisted Living, and Temple Emanuel-Sinai Music Fund.