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Harriet Williams Obituary
Williams was the eldest of five children, born in Oakland to Katharine and William Neufeld on Dec. 4, 1926. Her father was a military man, and the family moved back and forth across the country. Her mother, a school teacher, died when Williams was just 8 years old. It was a transformative time in her young life, said Kit Williams, one of her children.
"After her mother died, she figured she was the mother of the house," Kit Williams said. "After the funeral, she came home and cleaned the house, and that set the stage for her life. She was always taking care of other people, helping others and putting others first. That's her legacy."
Memories and Condolences
for Harriet Williams
7 Entries
December 2, 2016
Hatsie was one of my favorite relations, and my mother's very special friend and cousin. She never lost that spark that always made for lively conversations and fun. I will never forget her. Ruth Palmerlee
Patricia Zieg
December 1, 2016
Harriet Williams was larger than life. She was that mom who seemed to make it all look easy. She was that woman who set the example for younger women to follow. She was the public servant who took her positions seriously, took complacent people to task and left everything in better shape than when she found it. She was gracious, unpretentious, bright, accessible, confident, not arrogant. She made you feel like you mattered in her day. She taught you through the art of conversation, not through lectures or self righteous pontificating. She was a hard worker, and no job was beneath her. She adored her children and their admiration for their mother was obvious when you saw them together. I will never forget her and I will always appreciate the time she took for me. I am so grateful for my friendship with her daughter, as she is a reflection of her remarkable mother in so many ways. Sleep pretty dreams, Mrs. Williams. I could never call you by your first name; I respect you too much.
Nadine Vander Lans
November 14, 2016
Harriet was a talented woman, and a dear friend.
I feel blessed to have known her.
Diane Kotelnikoff
November 4, 2016
Dear Williams Family,
I have just heard of Hatsie's death from my mom Marian who was so lucky to have her as a friend and fellow 'inmate' at Piedmont Gardens for the past six years. Hatsie helped Marian through the such tough times she has had and watching Cal games together on the TV was a rare spot of fun. Your Mom introduced me to the great books for children, always sending one at birthdays and Christmas as my honorary Godmother. There's a big whole in my heart but mainly gratitude for sharing her life.
Blessings on you all,
Diane (and Marian) Kotelnikoff
Pam Oehlman
October 20, 2016
Your mother was an inspiration to thousands of teacher librarians, teachers, and students in Long Beach Unified. The Authors' Festival was a gift to a generation. She served the Long Beach Board of Education honorably, and with an emphasis on the children in our care. Thank for sharing her with all of us. My sincere condolences to your families. She made a difference.
Lew Gordon
October 20, 2016
My mother Jean Gordon was very friendly with Harriet and worked with her on the PTA at Lowell Elementary in the mid 1960's. I remember her well as she came to our house often. I also remember my Mom and Harriet selling stamps at Lowell I believe in 1966. Rest in Peace Ms. Williams.
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Memorial Events
for Harriet Williams
Dec
3
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
Heyns Room at The Faculty Club at UC Berkeley
CA
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