Harriet Chasin Halpern

December 1, 1930 - March 11, 2025

Harriet Chasin Halpern, age 94, passed away peacefully at her home in Buffalo, NY on March 11, 2025. Born in Brooklyn and raised in the Bronx, NY, Harriet was the daughter of Dorothy and Joseph Chasin. She graduated from Oswego State Teachers College and then taught elementary school in New York City before moving to Buffalo, where she built a life with her husband of 64 years, Ralph L. Halpern, who predeceased her in December 2024.

She was a dedicated school teacher and later, she became a gourmet caterer and food stylist, renowned for her culinary artistry and, especially, her unforgettable desserts. She taught cooking classes, collected recipes, and amassed a remarkable collection of cookbooks and culinary journals. She also was an avid reader who, late in life, returned to higher education for her own knowledge and edification.

Harriet was a loving mother of three children: Rick Halpern (Beth Landau), Steven Halpern (Kate O’Connor), and Julie Halpern Ridlon (Dean Ridlon). She was a proud and devoted grandmother to five grandchildren: Lydia Halpern, Rosa Halpern, Miriam Halpern, Sophie Ridlon, and Jeremy Ridlon and a great-grandmother to three great-grandchildren. She also leaves her sister, Frances Friedman of NJ, and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held Friday 11am at Temple Beth Zion, 805 Delaware Ave., Buffalo 14209. View live stream at tbz.org. Shiva will be held Friday 3-6pm at Harriet’s residence. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Harriet’s memory to a charity of your choice, Temple Beth Zion or to Hospice Foundation of WNY, whose compassionate care brought comfort to her final days. Share condolences at mesnekoff.com.