Norfolk —Harriet S. Collector, 91, passed away peacefully in her home on November 28, 2016, surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Asher and Ray Salomon. Harriet was preceded in death by her beloved first husband, Bernard Bernstein, of blessed memory and by her brother, Adolph.
Harriet is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Joseph Collector; her three adoring children, Ronnie Henderson and her husband, Don of Houston,Texas, Joseph Bernstein and his wife, Betsy of West River, Maryland, and Lisa Hunter of Virginia Beach. Also left to cherish her memory are her seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild by whom she was lovingly called “Bubbe.”
Her grandchildren are Adrian Taylor and his wife, Kimberly and their children Ashlynn and Anthony; Noah Taylor and his wife, Ashley and their sons Barrett, Cameron, and Corbin; Seth Taylor and his wife, Jenifer and their daughters Sarah and Rafaella “Rafi”; Harmony “Rachael” Malbon and her husband, Josh and their son, John “Johnny” Roger; Joseph “JB” Bernstein; Cami Manley and her husband, Scott and their son, Cole; Adam Henderson and his wife, Letty and their children Edward, Adam Jr, Atiana and Aliana and Edward’s son, Aayden. She was also adored by a special granddaughter- in-law, Dana McKee and her husband, Tom. She also had three stepchildren; Stephen and Leah Collector, Joseph “Skippy” Collector and Robert Collector.
Harriet was fortunate to have had two great loves in her life. After her husband, Bernard’s, passing in 1968, with whom she raised her three children, she married Joe in 1971 and spent 45 wonderful, happy years with him in the home they built in Norfolk. Ever loving and generous in heart and spirit; they traveled the world, spent their summers enjoying the company of friends and loved ones in their backyard swimming pool, were life-long members of Beth El Temple, cooked countless family dinners and loved and supported their family in every way possible.
Ever the fashionista, “Bubbe” loved nothing more than being with her family and friends, hosting Passover and holiday dinners, and bringing everyone together for food and wine. Harriet adored her husband Joe, who made her laugh and took care of her in every way, always. They were quite the pair. She loved music, dancing, gardening, cooking and was an amazing artist. Her quick-wit, good looks and generous spirit made her irresistible to all who knew her. She was kind and smart and made friends everywhere she went. She will be missed dearly, by many, and leaves quite a legacy.
A graveside service took place at Forest Lawn Cemetery with Rabbi Jeffrey Arnowitz officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Beth El Temple. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Online condolences may be made at www.hdoliver.com