Harriet Edith Posnak Lesser

Harriet Posnak Lesser, of Massapequa and the Five Towns, beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, has passed away at age 93.

Ms  Lesser, an award winning journalist, editor, and social and political columnist for the Five Towns newspapers, The South Shore Record and The Nassau Herald, was known for her sharp wit and the way in which she brought humor to the most mundane situations of suburban life. Her weekly column, "A Nice Place to Visit," was widely read, not only by residents of the Five Towns, but by readers across the country.  Her column, at times, was picked up and published in Newsday, the New York Times and by the Associated Press. Ms Lesser also contributed to several books, including, Gem Chronicles: The Early Years, which was co-written by gemologist John Ramsey and his wife, jewelry designer Laura Ramsey. Ms. Lesser was also a recipient of the New York Press Association Award.  Between editing and writing for local newspapers, Ms Lesser contributed to Playthings Magazine, a trade publication for the toy industry.

Harriet Lesser was the second in her family to graduate college and to pursue a career at a time when most women were homemakers. She always wanted to be a writer and was an active staff member of her Tilden High School and Brooklyn College student newspapers.

Ms Lesser began her journalistic career in the early 1970s. Prior to that, while raising her three children, she was an active political volunteer involved in championing local politicians. Not one to seek office herself, she covered the local and national political scene journalistically and satirically in her weekly column.

Harriet Lesser's beauty, sense of humor, intelligence, and personality equipped her to tackle and succeed in a myriad of endeavors. Yet, in spite of her busy professional life, Ms Lesser's proudest achievement was as mother of her three children, whom she loved with all her heart.

Ms Lesser was born on the Fourth of July and was the embodiment of a proud American, instilling in her children the importance of a democratic government and a free press.

Harriet Posnak Lesser was preceded in death by her husband, Meyer C. Lesser, and is survived by her children, Melody Lesser, Michael Lesser, and Jonathan Lesser and their respective spouses, Charles Riess, Debra Burleson, and Dawn Lesser. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, respectively Emily Riess and her husband Adam Fudala; Victoria Riess and her husband Dr. Nathan Zapolsky; Kate Burleson-Lesser, Miles Burleson-Lesser, Aggie Lesser and Annabelle Lesser. She is also survived by her great grandchildren Violet Zapolsky, Eli Zapolsky, Gabrielle Fudala and Clara Fudala.

In memoriam donations may be made to a dementia research charity, a charity that supports journalism, or any charity of your choice.

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