Harriet Ainsworth

Harriet Ainsworth A resident of Orinda since 1950, Harriet Ainsworth was a columnist for the Contra Costa Sun after 31 years as Public Information Director for the American Cancer Society's Contra Costa Unit during which time she was a member of the California Division Communications Committee and awarded national and state honor citations for her work in cancer control. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Mrs. Ainsworth was a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and a scholarship graduate student at Columbia University's Pulitzer School of Journalism, leaving New York City, as early journalist Horace Greeley advised, to "go West" becoming a reporter and later an editor of the Portland Oregonian, where she also was correspondent for the New York Mirror and the author of national magazine articles as well as producing a network radio show "Northwest Neighbors" for Pacific Power & Light. After working nights as a volunteer air raid clerk during black-outs of World War II, she became an officer candidate in the U.S. Naval Reserve and following training at Mt. Holyoke, was commissioned ensign in early 1943, eventually becoming Lieutenant and serving as Public Information officer for the Naval Air Transport Command on Admiral J.W. Reeves' flag staff. When the Navy discovered oil in Point Barrow, highest point of the western hemisphere, she became the first woman member of "The Top of the World" Club. Mrs. Ainsworth was a foreign correspondent for the Oakland Tribune and the Indianapolis Time-Star after World War II. Living in Orinda, the wife of (the late) J. Gordon Ainsworth, she was a member of Recreation District Six Citizens' Commission, founding president of the Orinda Foundation formed to build Orinda's first park at the Orinda Community Center and in 1977 became Orinda "Citizen of the Year" for that volunteer work. She is the co-author of a book, "The Road Back", commissioned by the California State Welfare Department's Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). Obtaining a lifetime teaching credential from UC-Berkeley, Mrs. Ainsworth taught journalism for Acalanes Adult Education Center and for a number of years was a part-time faculty member of Diablo Valley College. She was president of the East Bay Women's Press Club, a member of the San Francisco Public Relations Round Table and a member of the Contra Costa Press Club, as well as the Orinda Country Club and Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Club of Diablo Valley. Listed in "Who's Who of American Women." Survivors, son Jay Ainsworth of Ojai, CA and daughter Adeline A. Forrest of Woodside, plus two grandsons: Bo Ainsworth and David Forrest. The family suggest memorials to the ACS, P.O. Box 4295, Walnut Creek, CA 94598 or to the charity of choice. The memorial service is on August 25th. Please call (650) 743-1665