Harriet Baum
February 4, 1945 - April 19, 2025

On Saturday, April 19, 2025. Beloved wife of Raymond N. Baum; Devoted mother of Erica Baum (Hal D.) Coffey of Pittsburgh, and Kevin M. (Alyson Eberhardt) Baum of Exeter, New Hampshire; Sister of Alan B. (Nance) Davidson; Adoring grandmother to Maxwell and Amelie Baum, and Eli and Zachary Coffey. Harriet was born in Sewickley, PA on February 4,1945. She moved to Pittsburgh in 1949. Harriet attended the University of Michigan before attending the University of Pittsburgh for her BA of Education and Boston University for her MA of Special Education. She married Raymond N. Baum on August 23, 1968. Harriet dedicated her professional life to assisting people with mental and intellectual challenges. First, as child development specialist at the Putnam Clinic in Boston, then at the Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh. She served as base service director at Mon Yough Community Services supervising a large staff of social workers and other professionals providing supportive services throughout the Mon Valley. Harriet's ultimate professional challenge and success was as executive director of NAMI Southwest, dedicated to improving the lives of children, adolescents, adults, and families affected by mental illness through recovery-focused support, education, and advocacy. Harriet helped grow NAMI Southwest tenfold and began a new era of effective services. As a CASA (Child Appointed Special Advocate) appointed by the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Harriet devoted many years to working with children and families who were involved in the family court system. In her role as a CASA, she spoke up for children who had been abused and neglected by spending time with them and advocating for them in the courts and social support systems. Harriet served on the advisory committee to the Howard Levin Clubhouse. Harriet was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in December, 2018. She went into remission until about a year ago. She died from a very rare complication from her treatment. Harriet fought valiantly and bravely for over eight months, never complaining, and always working to recover. She died with her family by her side. Harriet was a loving and wonderful mother and grandmother. Her professional knowledge of child development, common sense and insight helped her raise two caring, competent, and empathetic children, and was leaned upon by her friends and neighbors. Harriet kept her friends close and forever. A memorial service in honor of Harriet will be held at Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Avenue (at Morewood Avenue) on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 12 noon. Contributions may be made to NAMI Keystone (www.namikeystonepa.org) 105 Braunlich Drive, McKnight Plaza, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 and The Branch (Howard Levin Clubhouse) 2609 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.Schugar.com

Condolences