Harriet Shanner

1918 - 2016

Harriet Shanner
May 10, 1918 ~ October 4, 2016
Carmel, CA
Harriet Sprowl Shanner, Carmel's well-regarded yoga icon, died on October 4, at the age of 98. She died peacefully in her own home. Harriet was known for her many yoga practices, including standing on her head every morning, her keen memory, her remarkable white hair and for being involved in a myriad of activities, especially those dealing with the arts. Wherever she went, she enjoyed social interaction.
Harriet was born on May 10, 1918 in Princeton, Indiana and graduated from Stevens College in Columbia, MO. She spent summers in Manhattan with her two sisters. Later, she volunteered at Jane Addam's famous Hull House in Chicago, helping immigrants venture into the United States. She also worked in the silver department of Garfinkel's Department Store in Washington, D.C. In 1939 she married William H. Shanner, a well-known statistician and testing authority from the University of Chicago.
In his job, Dr. Shanner regularly traveled all over the United States. Harriet often accompanied him and became well-acquainted with many different communities throughout the country.
In 1960 the Shanners purchased their home on Lazarro Drive in Carmel, where she continued to live until her death. For many years, Dr. Shanner commuted to Palo Alto, where he directed test construction at the American Institute of Instruction. Dr. Shanner died in 1979.
In Carmel, Harriet was deeply involved with many non-profit organizations. She served on the boards of the Arthritis Foundation, the Carmel Red Cross, and the Carmel Music Society and for two years chaired the re-granting program of the Arts Council for Monterey County.
In 1981 she began funding a yearly nurse's award at the Maurine Church Coburn School of Nursing, which recognized a nurse with special interests in preventive care. In 2009, she published a book... "Harriet Shanner's Little Green Book," a lifetime compilation of clippings, thoughts and memories.
She will be missed by countless yoga enthusiasts and by other long-time friends. Harriet is survived by her son, Bill Shanner of Carmel and by numerous cousins throughout the States. There will be a celebration of her life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maurine Church Coburn School of Nursing, 980 Fremont St., Monterey, CA 93940 or to the charity of one's choice.


View the online memorial for Harriet Shanner