Harriet Gross Katz, age 98, of Lake Mary, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 1, 2019, at Oakmont Village at Lake Mary. A New York native, she was one of twin daughters born on October 19, 1920, to the late Abraham and Cecelia Kaufman Gross.

Harriet was happiest being known as a wife and mother. She was fiercely proud of her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she treasured all her family connections. The great love of her life was her husband, Lou, to whom she was married for nearly 54 years. They moved first to Daytona Beach in 1941 and later to Orlando to open Oelkers Millinery on Orange Avenue. Harriet never pretended to be a cook or homemaker. She was a great saleswoman and managed their stores in Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville, with Lou for decades.

Always involved in synagogue and Jewish community life, she was a Life Member of Hadassah and, with Lou, was a Founding Member of Temple Israel. She is the last of the founding matriarchs of the synagogue.

Harriet loved to socialize, and she and Lou had family friends to their home on Ann Arbor Street in College Park most Sunday afternoons. Harried enjoyed a party and a good time, and she enjoyed telling her stories. She was a good card and game player and enjoyed bridge, canasta, and Mah Jongg throughout her life.

Her family was number one. She is survived by her sons Charles R. "Dick" (Nancy) Katz of Longwood and Dr. Michael Katz (George Russ) of Raleigh NC and her grandchildren Brian (Marnie), Jana Shear, Eli, and Chloe (Michael) Grant. She is further survived by her great-grandchildren Ethan, Hadyn, Taylor, Alexandra and Jared. She was predeceased by her husband Lou in 1994, her twin sister, Lucille Leichter, and her brother Jack Gross.

After a long and healthy life, Harriet died very loved by the family that was so important to her.

Funeral services and interment will be held on Sunday, February 3, 2019, at 12 Noon at Temple Israel Cemetery, 9200 Morton Jones Road, Gotha,

In memory of Harriet Gross Katz, the family requests contributions to the Temple Israel Cemetery Fund, 50 S. Moss Road, Winter Springs 32708. www.tiflorida.org