Harriett F. Charno, a life-warrior whose endless courage, determination and awe-inspiring grit and resourcefulness, made her transition to be with the loved ones who preceded her in death on Aug. 6.
George Charno, her husband, a loss of 20 years now, deeply enriched her life and expanded her family in priceless ways. She was the daughter of Sam and Clara Silverstein.
Harriett leaves behind her daughter, Julie Osadchey, whose unwavering devotion and strength have been been an immeasurable gift both to Harriett and to her siblings; daughter, Sherry Osadchey; son, Michael (Joni) Osadchey; and stepdaughter, Jennifer Nelson, along with husband, Tom, whose ever-caring presence and attentiveness brought meaning and love that rounded out Harriett’s life. She also leaves granddaughter, Nakysha Osadchey, whose love and devotion blessed her in countless ways; grandchildren, CJ and Audrey Nelson, whose love and gifts brightened Harriett’s life; grandsons, Ryan and Benjamin Osadchey; and four-great grandchildren.
Also left to feel the hole such a huge presence leaves are loving brother Myron Sildon (committed partner, Dori) and nephew Eric (Lucy); niece, Laura (Matt); and many loving relatives who made Harriett’s life more complete.
In a world that tends to glorify academic achievement, Harriett was a testament to smart in a way that cannot be taught no matter the number of diplomas that accumulate on the wall. For those employers who recognized that credentials after her name would lend no greater value than the inherent gifts, skill, passion and talent she would bring to their businesses, no better employee could be found. One such job was when KCPT took a chance on making her director of membership, where she was able, in collaboration with Carol Comer, to produce a jazz show that brought in more money in one night than they made in a year. She worked with Carol, additionally, on creating the first Women’s Jazz Festival.
Harriett learned young from her parents that if you live in a community and earn your living there, you should give back to the community. This became a core value and inspired her throughout her life to contribute her time, creativity, energy and wisdom to the many organizations that represented her values and gave her a feeling of fulfillment. She was a member of B’nai Brith Women, a life member of Hadassah, a board member for her local Brandeis chapter, the Overland Park Arts Council board member and a member of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah and its sisterhood.
Harriett was an avid reader and cherished holding a book to devour. As her eyesight waned, she had to make peace with the lost ability for immersing herself in the written word, book in hand, and transition to audiobooks. This was a shift she had to reluctantly make, but it enabled her to still be part of this world that she relished. She loved being a part of book clubs where she could engage in stimulating conversations and hear the diversity of perspectives that everyone would bring.
Harriett had an artist’s eye, and this showed in all arenas of her life: cooking (her great passion); decorating homes; collecting paintings, drawings, sculptures and flower arrangements; traveling to beautiful places; and even in the unparalleled artistry of her extraordinary organizing skills in her office, kitchen, closets and her entire home.
She was an inspiration to all who had the gift of knowing her, whether close relatives, friends, neighbors or the employees of every store or restaurant she frequented.
Of all the things she loved, it was the sharing of holidays with family and friends, hosting gatherings and doing the cooking that brought the greatest joy. Being the glue that held all parts of her world together, that imbued her world and all of her family’s with the power of her indomitable matriarchal spirit, brings a loss that will reverberate throughout the years to come.
The universe designed Harriett’s finding Kathy Finestead, her aide/friend/family, whom the family holds dear and feels tremendous gratitude.
A memorial service was held on Aug. 9 at the Louis Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Social Justice Fund at B’nai Jehudah or Academie Lafayette.
Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.