Harriet Huffman was born on November 11, 1924 in Ohio and passed away on November 27, 2011 in Mount Vernon, WA. She was a longtime resident of Tacoma where she served as the Nursing Director at Doctor’s Hospital for 37 years. She was also a very active member of the First United Methodist Church in Tacoma.
She is survived by her daughter, Anne Martin and family of Mount Vernon. Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church. Cremation arrangements under direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
Dear Anne,
Our mothers, Harriet and Marie Fortier, were very good friends at First Methodist Church. They were active in women’s ministry and enjoyed each others’ company immensely. When my mother became ill Harriet was very supportive of our family and visited my mother often at The Tacoma Lutheran Home. I know my mother loved seeing her and listening to her voice which brought much joy into my mom’s life and surely for your mom as well. I am very sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories of times shared with your mother comfort your heart, especially at this time of year. My very sincere condolenses and God’s daily blessing be yours. Cherie (Fortier) Murchie
Harriett was one of the most skilled and compassionate nurses I have known. She was respected by her staff, physicians, patients and family members from Doctor’s Hospital in Tacoma. I worked for her first as a student nurse while attending PLU and then from 1969-1971 as a new RN. She was a big influence in my life and I extend my sincere sympathies to Anne and family.
Anne and family,
I remember Harriet best from the dinners on the patio at Bill’s. She was a sweet and soft person. She made you feel warm and her gaze was direct. Her smile was sweet. I do not know other members of your family Anne, but anyone who knows you knows your mom. She passed these human qualities to you. That is all any of us can hope to do for our children. She was one of my favorite “soals”. I would have liked to spend more time with her. But that is what we say about all good people. I am sorry for your loss. Jim
Your mom’ hired me as a nurse’s aide 1962 .I was a senior in high school. At Lincoln in Tacoma. It was my first “REAL JOB”. I made $1.15 an hour. I have fond memories of your mom and I pray the Lord will comfort you and your family. sincerely, Rose Taylor Moran
Harriet was a very knowledgable and skilled nurse. She was a wonderful Director of Nursing and always lead by example. She was compassionate and caring to our patients and staff. I felt very thankful to be her friend and work under her.
From Debbie Zeemin
I met Harriet when I was 15 yrs old at Doctor’s Hospital. I had volunteered(Candy striper) and kitchen help while I finished high school. I have very fond memories of her form that time.
For the family of Harriet Huffman:
Sending most fond remembrances of Harriet, through the Dr’s Hospital years – truly memorable to be sure. God bless her and her family, each and all.
Margaret Weaver
wife of Bob, from the lab, deceased as well, Dec. 2002
Harriet and I had many wonderful chats over the fence. We also shared the friendship of KC, the cat, who spent as much time with her as well as with me. Harriet had a wonderful way with my girls and in fact the other children in the neighborhood too. She had a wonderful sense of humor and we enjoyed having a “coffee” break now and then.
Harriet had a big heart and was always doing something nice for her friends. She is one of the kindest person I have known. My sympathies to you Anne and your family. Love Lynn
I knew Harriet, although we called her ‘Hattie’, through a relative in Tacoma. Our Mattson/Malone family would enjoy her company when she would come out to Portage, on Vashon Island, by boat. She was always so sweet. When I moved to Tacoma in later life my mom, Pat Caraher Simpson, and I visited her at her cute little house. I have thought of her many times over the years, wondering how she was doing. She was just ‘special’, something about her made me feel close to her. But we lost touch. It was fortunate that I saw her obituary in the Tacoma paper, so now I know she has moved on to a better place. I hope her family is doing well. She made a definite imprint on my life.
Sincerely,
Kathy Caraher
Harriet’s family my sympathy for all of you as Harriet was a wonderful woman.
I met Harriet in 1967 as she hired me as a Nurse’s Aide to work nights. This was my very first job in nursing. I worked in the old hospital. I was attending the University of Washingtion Nursing School and worked almost every summer and then as a new Graduate until I was hired by the Health Dept. Harriet was always so very kind and very supportive to me. I am about to retire from nursing after and will always remember Harriet as one of the nurses that gave me a good start in nursing. Be Blessed, Sue Mitchell Walen.
As a new member of First United Methodist Church in Tacoma a few years ago, I was just starting to know Harriet. We had one lovely visit at her home, and she always welcomed me at church with her lovely smile. Our friendship was brief, but meaningful. She was a wonderful person.
Ann and family: You are in my thoughts as you deal with the grief of loosing your loving and caring Mom/Grandmother. Harriet and Janet Bates were my Grandmother’s next door neighbors and friends on “L” Street in the mid-50’s. Harriet and Janet were both wonderfully supportive of my Grandmother and were favorites of our entire family. In 1955, at age 12, I needed surgery. I was terrified (and awful)! My parents could not quell my anxiety. But there I was – at Doctor’s Hospital with Harriet – to calm my fears and make sure I stayed in bed after my surgery. Harriet’s memory remains in my heart as the special and caring person in my life for whom I will be forever grateful.
To the family, sympathy at the loss of your mom. I shall always remember how kind your mom was to my mother. She was in a nursing home for 6 years and your other sent her cards and came to visit her. She was such a good friend to my mom Marie Fortier. It meant a lot to my Dad, Joe. He appreciated your mothers kindness.
I would see her at the Lutheran Home and she always had such a warm smile, as big as her heart. The last time I saw her I believe was at the church, I will remember her kind words to me. I send them back to you with comfort for your hearts.
Judie Fortier
For years Harriet and I enjoyed lunches together after she retired. I first met her when my husband had surgery at Doctors Hospital in early 80s. I was going by the desk and noticed her cap and pin and immediately introduced myself. It was such a joy to see someone from Grant Hospital. We chatted many times and talked of our wonderful school of nursing. We of course knew many of the same people although she was 10 years ahead of me. One of her classmates, Norma Dusi was one of my favorite instructors in 1952-55. I worked in a retirement home across from Allenmore Hospital where she worked after Doctors closed. We also were both active in our United Methodist Churches and had many mutual friends.. Harriet was a leader in her church and later her Pastor, Monty Smith, was sent to our church at Browns Point for 3 years. I knew she had moved north to be with her daughter but did not know her address. She was a wonderful lady and so well thought of by the medical community. Doctors Hospital was very well run and a real community asset. My deepest sympathy to you Mrs. Martin and to your family. Sandra Holder.
Aunt Harriet would want you to know how much she misses her friend Harriet. Lots of memories from years of friendships in work and in play. I remember the chocolate angel food cake with the rose bud vase in the center which was served at your Mom’s dining room table for Aunt Harriet’s birthday luncheon with a crab salad. YMMMMMMMM! Two ladies with lots of spirit who saw changes in life, medicine and still were fast friends.
Carmen Caporale for Harriet Weir
I grew up next door to Harriet, she gave me the gift of enjoying the outdoors and to expand my love of animals. It was such a treat for me taking care of her dogs and occasional kitten’s when she traveled. I remember homemade cookies being left and fresh fruit salads being shared such a big deal for someone just growing up. She had a great laugh and since of humor, I will always be grateful for these wonderful memories.
Harriet will always be in my heart. Love Kim (Percich) Groom
anne and family, in the early and mid sixties my dad, jim feutz, was the administrator at doctors hospital and worked with your mom harriet. although i was quite young i remember harriet and even her voice!!! as you know it was a small hospital and when i came in to track down my dad and couldn’t find him harriet ALWAYS could, i think she was the one that really ran the hopsital!!!! my dad passed away in 1967 just after the new doctors hospital was finished and i know that during his long illness your mom was there for him every step of the way. i mourn your loss with you, i will never forget harriet, her voice and smile. she was a wonderful lady and will be in my prayers often. sincerely, joanie feutz dunn