Harriet and Raymond Olitt

Sonia Cairo Harriet's earliest years were in Bensonhurst, but she grew up in an apartment in the Bronx. Harriet enjoyed learning and excelled in school. She was accepted into the prestigious Bronx High School of Science and went on to earn a degree from Ohio State and a Masters in Public Administration from Golden Gate University.

Sonia Cairo Harriet was grateful when her parents agreed to pay for piano lessons when she was a child. She played for many years. Once married, a beautiful grand piano graced the living room.

Sonia Cairo After earning his MA from Rutgers University, Ray joined the Peace Corps and taught from 1966-1968 in Jahrom, Iran. There he made life long friends.

Sonia Cairo Ray was a thoughtful, engaging and effective educator. His workshops were highly valued. His integrity, warmth, humor and kindness was appreciated by colleagues and staff.

Sonia Cairo Harriet found her volunteer work with the Creative Retirement Institute very rewarding and was a valued member of the Advisory Board and Curriculum Committee. She researched and organized continuing education workshops and enrolled in a few every year as well. Ray also contributed to and participated in CRI workshops.

Sonia Cairo Harriet loved and looked up to her brother, Jerry's wife, Flora Hausman. She noted that she was like a big sister or second mom as she was growing up. They remained close until Flora's untimely death. (That's the family's first dog, Mitzi, with Boo-Boo Bear and the trio.)

Sonia Cairo Ray and Harriet shared their love and their passions with grandson, Jeremy, at his home in Valley Cottage, New York, and at their home in Edmonds, Washington.

Sonia Cairo Ray and Harriet met new friends at Chateau assisted living in Bothell. Ray was on the Activities Committee and researched and arranged popular TED talks. Harriet religiously attended the fitness classes there 4- 5 days a week. She was also a regular at the aerobics class across the street at the Senior Center.

Sonia Cairo What a joy it was for Joe, Jonathan, Sonnie, Jeremy and Gianna to be together with Harriet and Jolee in their new Ventura home.

Sonia Cairo It was a bittersweet family gathering at Valley Forge, Sue and Arny's home in Lake Tahoe, for Arny's memorial. Ray, Ken, and Richard appreciated being with cousin, Joanie.

Sonia Cairo Ray & Harriet's 25th Anniversary was a truly marvelous surprise. Their closest friends and family gathered at Janell and Joe's home to celebrate.

Sonia Cairo It was wonderful to have the Olitt's, Hausman's and Nourok's together for Sonnie and Marcelo's wedding.

Sonia Cairo Sonnie, Jonathan, and Joe and Janell looked forward to their visits with Harriet and Ray, and with their beloved dogs-first Duffy, and later, Jolee.

Sonia Cairo Harriet and Ray made a home for themselves and the three children in Rubidoux - land of rolling hills and abundant tumbleweeds.

Sonia Cairo Harriet and Ray moved from southern CA to Edmonds, WA in 1990. Their three children looked forward to visiting each year. After grandchildren, Jeremy and Gianna, came along, it was also a wonderful opportunity to bring cousins together.

Sonia Cairo Harriet's, eldest brother, Jerry, visited Harriet and Ray often over the years. He made it a point to be present at the kids' bar mitzvahs, graduations, and weddings.

Sonia Cairo Harriet and Ray adored their granddaughter, Gianna. They enjoyed their visits with her and Jonathan in Big Bear City and at home in Edmonds.

Sonia Cairo Harriet, Sonnie, and Jolee traveled down from Washington along the Oregon and California coast to begin a new chapter for Harriet in Ventura. In following months, Harriet appreciated being close to Joe and Janell and enjoyed their lunches and outings together.

Sonia Cairo Sonnie, Jonathan and Joe brought joy to Harriet and her first husband, David Nourok. The two were from New York, but met after being matched up by David's sister, Lily, while both were in Ohio. That's Harriet's mom visiting the young family in their California home.

Sonia Cairo Harriet and Ray loved to be out in nature whether strolling the arboretum, watching the eagles from on high, or vacationing in a national park.

Sonia Cairo Ray's mom and dad, Arny and Sue Olitt, visited with the family often. They were adored by their grandchildren.

Sonia Cairo Ray and Harriet's wedding was a joyful and intimate affair with the closest of friends in the backyard of their new home. Ray's best friend, Joel, officiated the wedding.

Sonia Cairo Ray was an inquisitive and fun loving boy. He never lost the ability to be playful.

Sonia Cairo The Olitt boys, Ray, his twin brother Richard, and older brother, Ken, grew up in Berkeley. Over the years they shared their passion for sports and their interest in politics and supporting people and policies that created a more equitable and kinder world.

Sonia Cairo Special gatherings included visits from Etta and Benjamin Hausman, Thanksgivings with the Rickle cousins, and Sue and Arnie’s 50th Anniversary.

Sonia Cairo At a time when it was most difficult to be considered an equal among male peers, Harriet rose with respect and comradery to leadership roles as an administrator and planner.

Sonia Cairo Harriet and Ray were the best of friends throughout their marriage.

Sonia Cairo With Joe and Janell’s marriage, Harriet and Ray gained a big, beautiful family in Ventura - Janell’s son, Shayne, and wife, Patsy, and their children, Tanner, Gavin, and Emma. Later, Gavin and his wife, Ashley, would make Harriet and Ray, great, great grandparents with the arrival of their children, Kellan and Shayne. And another great, great grandchild is on its way!