Harriet Smith passed away in a way that many of us would wish for ourselves…. full of great memories and accomplishments, feeling completely loved and care for as well as being deeply tired and completely worn out. She released for her soul on August 26, 2018.

Harriet Ruth Lang was born on January 11, 1929 in Alhambra California. She was the third daughter to Ruth (Salenjus) and Paul Lang. Most of Harriet's childhood was spent in Southern California during the Depression years. The family yard had lemon and avocado trees plus a large vegetable garden. There were piano and flute lessons in addition to all the homemaking skills Harriet learned from her mother, Ruth. For recreation the family would pack the homemade boat onto the car and drive to the country east of Los Angeles to camp.

When Harriet was 14 the family moved to Sedro Woolley. In the fall of 1944 Harriet started school at Sedro Woolley High School. She was "the new girl from California." A difference Harriet remarked on was that in California she had only ever worn cotton dresses and had never owned a coat. With her Mother's skills as a seamstress Harriet soon had wool skirts and a warm coat to wear.

Graduating from Sedro Woolley High School in 1946, Harriet then attended Western Washington State College in pursuit of a Degree in Education. She graduated from Western with a double major that included Phys Ed. In 1950. Harriet's first teaching job was Renton, WA. Within a few years she found a position at Clear Lake Elementary with Gene Johnson as the Principal. The "boy next door" was Dorwin Smith. A romance grew between the capable, industrious and attractive pair. Harriet and Dorwin were married on Christmas Day in 1953.

Harriet loved teaching and was very well-suited to profession…she inspired and motivated. Her students wanted to make her proud and get her approval. Harriet spent 30 years in the Sedro Woolley School District and retired in 1991. During the 70's she spent time first as a teacher and then as the Education Coordinator for the Head Start program.

Harriet's was a life of service. She was very active in the Washington Retired Teachers association for over 30 years on both the state and local level. Harriet was president of the Skagit-Island-San Juan group for 2 years, Chairman of the NW1 Coordinating Council and Unit Membership Chairman responsible for informing the newly retired of the many benefits of the organization. Harriet was the first recipient of the Patrick Hoban meritorious award that recognizes a volunteer that performs above the norm. Like her mother before her, Trinity United Presbyterian was Harriet's church. She enjoyed being active in the church and very much enjoyed the friendships she made there. Over the years Harriet served as Elder and Deacon as well as taking on some Sunday School and vacation bible school classes.

Harriet enjoyed many activities…gardening, canning, baking, sewing…but her most favorite thing in the whole world was time with her grandkids. She took great delight in taking them to activities like rainbow trout fishing and roller blading. Every year there was an Easter egg hunt and birthday shopping with each grandchild. "She took the best care of everyone making sure they were having fun!" ~Jenna.

Harriet liked to travel. Dorwin, not so much. She went with Dorwin to Alaska and the Southwest. After that, when Harriet wanted to take a trip she went with her daughter Brenda…usually with a baby or two. Trips to family reunions in California and Oregon, Retired Teacher events in Wenatchee or Yakima are great memories.

Harriet is survived by her four children, Brett Smith (Rhonda), Bart Smith (Patty), Brenda Thomas and Burke Smith. Seven grandchildren; Jordan Smith (Melanie), Ashley Smith, Jenna Comfort (Josh), Cody Smith, Adam Thomas, Ian Thomas and Abigail Thomas as well as bonus grandkids Nick, Ty, Brian and Dillon. Harriet was predeceased by her husband Dorwin, her parents and her two sisters, Margaret Grey and Dorothy Ovenell and a daughter in law, Debi Smith.

She passed away at Home Place in Burlington where she received much loving care. Special thanks to Carol Ovenell for taking chocolate shakes as a treat for mom. Thanks also to Janie, Fran, Ignacia and Maribel…and many more, much appreciation for the gentle thoughtful care to Dr. Seth Cowan and to Hospice NW.

Graveside inurnment is September 10, 2018 at 1:30pm for family. Celebration of life is October 6, 2018 at the Sedro Woolley Eagles Club, starting at 2:00pm. Please come help us celebrate her life. Coffee, tea and punch served along with Grandma's cookies. All of the yearbooks from teaching career and other memorabilia will be there.

Momma ~ you are missed like the stars miss the sun in the morning sky.