Barbara K. Hersh died on Saturday, June 10, 2017, at her home in Boca Raton, Florida, after a prolonged battle with COPD.   Born in February 1930, Barbara Judith Karsen was the only child of Lillian (Sherman) Karsen and Louis Karsen.

With the  last name of Karsen, Barbara was nicknamed ‘Kit’ at an early age and that was how she was known throughout her life.  Kit was born in New York City and spent her early days there and traveled  in the surrounding areas, spending time in Long Beach and Atlantic City.    Although an only child, Kit spent lots of time with her many cousins, especially Mindy, and was close to her  aunts and uncles.   Kit did so well in school that when she was sixteen, the State of New York  sent someone to measure her IQ.  She graduated from high school early and went on to Syracuse University.   She was the first person in her family to graduate from college.

While at Syracuse, she met another student, her future husband, Richard “Dick” Margolin, on a train.  She was introduced as Kit Karsen, and he said “Hello, I’m Davy Crockett”.   An auspicious beginning!  They were married in 1950, and had four children: Jim, Stacy, Peter and Jill.   Kit and Dick spent the first year or so of their marriage in New Jersey, where Dick attended law school at Rutgers, and then moved to Huntington, New York and eventually to Lloyd Harbor.   Kit and Dick had an active social life and spent time golfing and dancing with their friends at Cold Spring Country Club and lots of time with their kids at home, traveling, and boating on Long Island Sound.   Kit was a beautiful and energetic stay at home mom, but always looked ready to go out with hair and nails perfectly done.  Even when she was chauffeuring kids around she always looked great, especially while wearing her favorite outfit of jeans, white button down collared shirt and white Keds.  No one wore it better!  Kit and Dick divorced in 1975.

In 1979 Kit married Albert ‘Al’ Hersh.  Early on they lived in New York City, and spent many summers in the south of France living on a boat. Kit and Al were not only married, they were the best of friends and traveled extensively in Europe and Asia.  Kit and Al moved to Florida, first to Palm Beach and then to their home in Boca Raton, Florida.    They were a popular couple, and spent lots of time socializing with old and new friends, attending extraordinary events, fundraisers and parties.   Kit was known for her wit, charm and grace.  As sophisticated as Kit usually was, she knew when to arrive with home baked chocolate chip cookies.  That always made Al smile.    As life slowed down a bit, Kit volunteered at Boca Raton Hospital.  Although Kit always enjoyed spending time with people, she loved animals, especially her beloved dog Dillenger.  What a good life that dog had!  Kit was an avid reader, and there were always books around, and the New York Times to keep her well informed.  Kit and Al were happily married until his death in 2008.

Kit is survived by her four children and eight grandchildren: Amber, Brett, Alyssa (Brian), Kyle (Erin), Clay (Kathryn), Jason (Mindy), Carly (Omar), and Lane (Taylor).  Kit is also blessed with seven great–grandchildren:  Shiloh, Elijah, Shayne, Ronen, Dylan, Eden and Kieran. Kit was an unforgettable woman during every phase of her life. She will be missed.