Born on July 15, 1925 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Harriet Cohen Davidson succumbed to Multiple Myeloma on March 1, 2007. Harriet came to Roanoke in 1945 after her marriage to Sigmund E. Davidson in January of 1944. She was continuously involved with many nonprofit organizations in the Roanoke Valley. A pillar in Roanoke's Jewish Community, Temple Emanuel particularly, she served in many capacities and gracefully donned several hats. Harriet actively served on the boards of Planned Parenthood and Mill Mountain Theatre, participated in the efforts of Meals-on-Wheels, was a past President of the Temple Emanuel Sisterhood, held a lifetime membership with Hadassah, and dedicated herself as a Big Sister with Big Brother/Big Sister. Due to her immense altruistic efforts, she was honored with the Perry Kendig Award for Volunteer Services in the Arts, recognized by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and awarded with Mother of the Year in May of 1993. Harriet worked in the background of the family business as the buyer and manager of Davidsons' Sugar & Spice Room, and was always an integral part of any major decision. As an avid reader with a passionate appetite for life, she belonged to many reading and discussion groups. Harriet always was a step ahead in her innate mission to make the world a better place, causing those around her to feel flooded with love and optimism, whether through her pragmatic viewpoints, supportive words, or warm loving smile. Armed with a magnetic charisma, she always went out of her way to seek out and embrace newcomers in any situation, inviting people into her home and life. Considered wise, compassionate, loving, unwavering, and open-minded, her advice and companionship was sought out by both family and friends. Her universal empathy profoundly touched everyone who was fortunate enough to experience her force. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Sigmund E. Davidson; sister-in-law, Miriam Davidson Leeds; children, Bonnie and Alan Hammerschlag, Larry and Janice Davidson, Steve and Sherry Davidson; grandchildren, Jennifer Haskins, Rebecca Haskins, Louis Davidson, Micah Davidson, Tiffany Davidson, Douglas Davidson, and Samantha Davidson. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the following organizations to which Harriet actively committed her time and resources: Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Hadassah, Planned Parenthood, Temple Emanuel, or another philanthropic organization of your choice. Funeral arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, and a service will be held at Temple Emanuel at 11 a.m. the morning of Sunday, March 4, 2007.