By Howard Koplowitz
Kupferberg sat on the fund board at QCC for 36 years and most recently served as the chairwoman of the Holocaust center's fund-raising committee.
The center was named the Harriet and Kenneth Kupferberg Holocaust Resource Center and Archives last year after she gave a $1 million donation. Kenneth, her late husband, died in 1993.
“Harriet Kupferberg was convinced that by studying the consequences of institutionalized and unbridled prejudice, our students, many of whom are new Americans, will come to understand the personal responsibility that we all have to combat prejudice in all its forms,” said QCC President Eduardo Martí in a statement. “She had unstoppable energy and ideas, and her respect for our work, and our students, will be an ongoing inspiration to all whom she has touched.”
Kupferberg was married to Kenneth Kupferberg, a co-founder of Flushing-based Kepco. Inc. and part of Queens College's first graduating class. Like his wife, Kenneth Kupferberg was also involved in philanthropy.
She attended PS 20, Bayside High School, New York University – where she received a degree in education – and Queens College, where she earned her master's in education.
Kupferberg was also a former president of the Flushing Council's Women Association and the Long Island Federation of Women's Clubs.
She also was the secretary to Flushing Hospital's community advisory board and was involved in restoring the John Bowne house in Flushing.
Kupferberg was a teacher at the Horace Mann Lincoln School and Great Neck public schools while volunteering with various organizations.
She is survived by her son Mark Kupferberg, daughters Anne Kupferberg Pepper and Sarah Kupferberg and eight grandchildren – Robert, Lily, Leah, Hillary, Kaila, Kenny and Josh.
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173.
