Harriet Josephine Heard

1924 - 2016

Harriet Josephine Heard June 14, 1924 February 4, 2016 Harriet Josephine (Dickerman) Heard a beautiful and loving wife, mother, sister and friend, passed away in Sonoma County at the age of 91. Harriet was literally surrounded by several generations of her family as she left us to be with her beloved husband, Jack, and her son, Steven. She is survived by her twin sister, Margaret McSweeney, her children, Stuart Heard (Alice), Stanley Heard (Jackie), Stacey Heard (Colleen), Marcia Antipa (Ron), and Marguerite Brown. Harriet also leaves behind six grandchildren, Andrea Heard, Steven Heard, Kyle Heard, Marina Antipa Mulligan, Kendra Heard, and Scott Antipa, as well as three great-grandchildren, Penelope and Quinn Mulligan and Logan Heard. Finally, she is survived by three nephews, Robert, Dennis and Kevin McSweeney. Harriet and her twin sister Margaret were born on Flag Day, June 14, 1924, in Berkeley, to Harry and Marguerite Dickerman. The Dickermans soon moved to the family fruit ranch in Milpitas. There, Harriet and Margaret ran through the orchards with their dogs, and spent summers helping to prepare the dried apricots for market. The girls attended St. Patrick Elementary School in San Jose and graduated from Notre Dame San Jose High School in 1942. The twins were known for their love of music, and sang together in church choirs, school performances, and on local radio. During the turmoil of World War II, Harriet and Margaret attended college at San Jose State University, and then nursing school at the University of California, San Francisco and were part of the Cadet Nurse Corps. In September of 1947, Harriet married the love of her life, native San Franciscan and U.C. pharmacist Jack Stuart Heard. Harriet told her children Jack was her "knight in shining armor," who gave her confidence and made her believe in herself. Harriet and Jack raised six children, all born between 1948 and 1957. Jack's work took them from San Francisco to UCLA and a six-year sojourn in the San Fernando Valley, then back to the San Francisco Bay Area, where they made their home in Mill Valley. Harriet thrived as a busy mother and community volunteer. She served as school nurse, organized Cub Scout skits, helped make countless school projects, and cared for many injured birds and stray cats. She was devoted to her Roman Catholic faith. She led the family in the rosary once a week, told her children "offer it up," in response to any ache or pain, and could turn a swear into a prayer ("JESUS, Mary and Joseph!"). In the 1970's, Harriet returned to her nursing career, at the UCSF Oncology Department. At that time, a new health crisis was emerging, and she worked with some of the first AIDS patients in San Francisco. As their children left home to start their own careers and families, Harriet and Jack moved to Sonoma County to enjoy their "golden years," with square-dancing, R-V travel, and countless dinners and card games with close friends. Harriet suffered two major tragedies in her life: the loss of her son, Steven, who died suddenly at the age of 14 in 1964, and the death of her husband, Jack in 1988. When she passed away on February 4, 2016, there must have been a joyous reunion in Heaven, with much love, laughter, and a few poker games. Friends and family are invited to attend a Funeral Mass, Monday, February 8, 2016 at 11:30 am at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, Rohnert Park. Private interment at Golden Gate National Cemetery. Those who wish may honor Harriet with a donation to the Jeanne M. Yalon Memorial Award in Oncology Nursing. Jeanne was Harriet's close friend, nursing school classmate, and co-worker. Visit makeagift.ucsf.edu or call (415) 476-3952. Santa Rosa Mortuary Eggen & Lance Chapel, 707-545-3747.