Harriet (Smith) Baron, age 98, passed away peacefully at her residence in Providence, R.I., on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021. She was the wife of the late Dr. Philip Baron.
She was the sister of Ruth Margolies and the sister-in-law of the late Rabbi Morris B. Margolies of Congregation Beth Shalom. Harriet enjoyed friendships with many people whom she met during her many trips to Kansas City to visit family.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, she was the eldest child of the late Sidney and Helen (Rosenbluth) Smith. She was a devoted sister to her younger siblings, Ruthie, Sammy, and Jay. She had an idyllic childhood in a loving family. Harriet was a graduate of Erasmus Hall High School, Class of 1941.
She met the love of her life, Philip, when she was 16 years old. He was originally attracted by her wholesome beauty, but he soon learned that she had a sweet and beautiful personality as well. They were married for 47 years until his sudden passing in 1991. During that time, in addition to rearing three children and providing them with a safe and loving home, she traveled the world with her husband. Together, they traveled to North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Harriet was a longtime resident of Providence, arriving with her husband, a four-year-old son and an infant son in 1952. She soon made friends and established herself in the community. Harriet enjoyed a long life with many interests. An avid reader, she also enjoyed traveling, cooking, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, theater, and opera. She was a member of Temple Emanu-El in Providence, Hadassah, and the Miriam Hospital Women’s Association.
A devoted wife and mother, she especially enjoyed time spent with her beloved grandchildren. She was a talented cook and enjoyed keeping an immaculate and elegant home. She was known as a consummate hostess. Any guest coming to her home felt welcome and was certainly well fed during the visit.
She is survived by two sons, Dr. Jeffrey F. Baron and his wife Jaqueline of Providence and Dr. Steven H. Baron and his wife Nelia of Newhall, Cal.; one daughter, Dr. Shari Sokol and her husband, Dr. Michael Sokol of Leawood, Kan.; one sister, Ruth Margolies; one brother, Jay Smith; seven grandchildren, Brian Baron, Justin Baron, Alexander Sokol, Felicia Sokol, Amanda Sokol, Veronica Baron and Gabriela Baron; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Sidney and Helen, her beloved husband Philip, her brother Samuel Smith, and her many friends.
Her funeral service was held at the Sugarman-Sinai Memorial Chapel, Providence, RI, followed by burial in Lincoln Park Cemetery, Warwick, R.I. The family suggests charitable contributions to Hadassah (hadassah.org) or the American Parkinson Disease Association (apdaparkinson.org) to honor Harriet Baron’s memory.
