Hariett Bessette

Stonington - Harriett (Miller) Bessette, 83, of Stonington, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013. Harriett was a lifelong resident of Stonington, the daughter of Albert and Gladys (Morgan) Miller of Stonington.

She was predeceased by her husband, Edward Bessette, who passed in 1992.

She leaves five children, Paul Bessette and his partner, Alison Treanor, of San Rafael, Calif., Theresa Bessette of Westerly, Michael Bessette Rochette of Canyon, Calif., Stephen Bessette and his wife, Heather Bessette, of Mystic; and Christopher Bessette of Pawcatuck. She also leaves five grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Harriett was a 1947 Stonington High School graduate. She earned degrees in education from St. Joseph's College in West Hartford in 1951, and Fairfield University in 1954. She taught elementary school in Weston before joining the Department of Army, Division of Military Schools in 1954. She spent two years teaching in Japan and then two additional years teaching in Germany before returning to Stonington.

Harriett retired from teaching upon her return, then proceeded to worked tirelessly alongside her husband, "Eddie," for over 30 years, assisting him in the operation of the Corner Pharmacy in Stonington village.

In 1975, she began what would be a 35-year effort promoting culture and tourism in southeastern Connecticut. She was a founding member of Connecticut's Eastern Regional Tourism District and instrumental in working with various state and local officials in the creation of the state's tourism commission and the promotion of the tourism industry. The local tourism industry, local businesses, and the public continue to reap the benefits of her years of dedication and service. In 2009, Harriett received a Distinguished Advocate Award from the State of Connecticut in recognition of her volunteer service, leadership, and commitment to excellence in promoting the arts, culture, history, and tourism in Connecticut.

For many years Harriett was an active member of The League of Women Voters; in 2004 she served as its president. In 2006, she was honored by the Mystic Chamber of Commerce as the Person of the Year for her many years of community service and volunteer work.

Harriett will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and colleagues who are comforted to know that she rests in peace.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Westerly Health Center, the Elms of Westerly, and The Westerly Hospital for the kind and loving care they provided.

There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, at the chapel of St. Edmund's Retreat at Ender's Island in Mystic, with a reception following in the main house immediately afterwards.

Donations may be made to the Stonington Free Library in Harriett's name.

Please visit www.mysticfuneralhome.com to share an online message of condolence.