Harriet Mahlau lived the kind of life that made for great stories that she loved to tell. She was the kind of woman whose presence filled a room (often without even trying) and whose stories, traditions, and love will continue through the family she cherished so deeply.
Whether she was reminiscing about the parties she catered in New York City, including one for Andy Warhol, recalling her travels, or describing the many chapters of her life, Harriet had a way of reminding you that life was meant to be lived fully, boldly, and with a good meal at the center of it all.
She raised four children in the Bronx, a time in her life that spoke to her strength and determination. For a period, she raised three of them on her own, creating a home filled with love, resilience, and the belief that life should always include a sense of adventure. Years later, she would bring that same spirit to raising her grandson, John, surrounding him with the same warmth, curiosity, and encouragement that defined the way she raised her children.
Food was one of Harriet’s great passions. With an extensive culinary background, she worked as a caterer and took enormous pride in the meals she prepared. She loved sharing stories from that time. For Harriet, cooking was never just about the food. It was about gathering people together, lingering around a table for “one more” glass of Merlot and creating moments that would become lasting memories.
Some of the most treasured memories belong to her grandchildren. She believed deeply in creating experiences for them and made sure they had opportunities to see and enjoy the world in ways they might not otherwise have been able to. Whether it was a special outing, a new restaurant, or a trip, she wanted them to experience life fully, just as she had.
One of her most cherished hobbies was her needlepoint. Over the years she carefully stitched a Christmas stocking for every member of the family, children, grandchildren, and eventually great grandchildren. Each stocking was handmade with patience and love, ensuring that every person in the family always has a place and sense of belonging.
Later in life she shared a deep and lasting love with her partner, Renny. The two were true soulmates, finding joy in life’s simple and beautiful moments together. They traveled the country side by side and were no strangers to fine dining, always seeking out new places to share a meal and a story. Harriet cared for Renny with unwavering devotion through the end of his life, standing beside him with the same love and loyalty that defined their relationship.
Her adventurous spirit carried her far beyond home. In her eighties she traveled to Germany on her own, embracing the world with the same independence and curiosity that defined her life.
Harriet also had a style that was entirely her own—elegant and confident. She had a way of entering a room that drew attention without ever trying to. Whether dressed for dinner or arriving at a Broadway play, she carried herself with a natural grace that made her unforgettable.
Above all, Harriet loved her family fiercely. Through Sunday breakfasts, hand-stitched stockings, shared meals, and unforgettable adventures, she built a world that her children, grandchildren, and generations beyond will carry forward.
She was predeceased by her mother Dorothy Dempsey (nee Atkins), her father Jack Dempsey and her brother Richard “Richie” James Dempsey, her daughter Dorothy Tracy, her son John “Johnny” Tracy, and her beloved husband Reynold Mahlau.
She is survived by her son, Kevin Tracy; her daughter, Jennifer Furlong, and son-in-law Terrence Furlong; and her daughter-in-law Jane Tracy. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: John Tobin, Christopher Furlong, Amanda Hinebaugh and her husband Cameron Hinebaugh, Jonathan Furlong and his wife Bridget Furlong, Dillon Tracy and his wife Deirdre Tracy, Makayla Furlong, and her great grandchildren Madison Furlong and Gavin Furlong.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 15th, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Ave., Bronx New York. Interment will take place on Monday, March 16th at 11:00 am at Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla, NY.