Obituary of Harriett Fersh

Harriett Fersh (née Fein), 95, of Cocoa Beach, Florida, died peacefully on August 25 in the company of her loving family.  A 40-year resident of Cocoa Beach, she was an untiring advocate for protection of the city’s green spaces, beaches, and wildlife.

Fersh was an accomplished sculptor, a successful real estate agent, and an adventurous world traveler.  She and her young family lived in India for a year during her husband’s Fulbright Scholarship in the 1950s.   Fascinated by Asia’s art and culture, she returned frequently over the years, eventually creating her own popular travel business in which she led small group tours to India, China, and Egypt.  

Fersh was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Seymour Fersh, and her son, Donald Fersh.  She is survived by her daughters, Susan (Richard) Johnson and Maryl (Gary) Schapiro; grandchildren Alexis (Kristopher) Karnauskas, Claire (Kevin) Sale, Anna Schapiro (Michael Arcaro), Benjamin Schapiro, and five great-grandchildren.  

There will be a family service for Fersh, the spouse of a WWII-wounded veteran, at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Donations in her memory can be made to Good Shepherd Community Care (gscommunitycare.org)