Harriet A. Spanel

Harriet A. Spanel died at home in Bellingham, Washington, on February 2, 2016, at the age of 77, surrounded by family and friends.

Born Harriet Rosa Albertsen to Harry and Rosa Albertsen in Audubon, Iowa, on January 15, 1939, she was the second of four children. She grew up on the family farm in rural Iowa. She graduated from Iowa State University in 1961 with a degree in mathematics. In that same year, she married her husband Les, who was completing his PhD in physics at Iowa State.

After starting a family, Harriet and Les moved to Bellevue, Washington, in 1964. In 1968, the family moved to Bellingham, where Les began his teaching career at Western Washington University in the Physics Department.

Harriet ran for and was elected to the Washington State Legislature, where she served three terms in the House of Representatives starting in 1987. She followed that by serving four terms in the Washington State Senate from 1993 to 2009. Harriet represented the 40th Legislative District, which includes parts of Whatcom and Skagit counties along with all of San Juan County. During her 22-year legislative career, Harriet was passionate about many issues affecting both her district and the state of Washington. In particular, she was a consistent and strong advocate for the preservation of our environment and natural resources, for women's and children's issues, education, transportation and overall responsible government. Harriet was a leader in the Washington State Senate and was the majority caucus chair for the ten years preceding her retirement.

Harriet is survived by son Philip Spanel (wife Meilani Obra), son David Spanel (wife Maria) and their sons Patrick and Mitchell, daughter Kristine Huntwork and her children Tyler and Amanda, sisters Dorothy Hawkes (husband Bill) and Betty Price, brother Franklin Albertsen (wife Becky), and many loving relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Leslie Spanel, in 2002, and by her parents.

A celebration of Harriet's life and a funeral mass are to be held on Saturday, February 20, 2016, at 10:30am at Church of the Assumption, 2116 Cornwall Avenue, in Bellingham. A reception will follow. You are welcome to share your memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Dr. Leslie Spanel Memorial Planetarium Endowment, c/o Western Washington University Foundation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Feb. 7, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Harriet Spanel

Sponsored by Beth Marsau, in honor and appreciation of Sen. Harriet Spanel.

8 Entries

Steve &Terri Inge

February 25, 2016

Our sympathies to Harriet's family. She had enthusiasm plus for the many groups she was involved with. Her leadership was vital and her contributions to our city and state were many. On a personal level,she was such a positive and caring person. It was a joy to know her.

Sue Hilton

February 19, 2016

Harriet was a kind, diplomatic, caring human being who was also a great listener. She cared about the lives of others and demonstrated that through her work and in her community, every day.
How much I enjoyed my meetings with Harriet to discuss septic tanks and other exciting issues. We managed to have lively conversations about such fantastic topics as that! Plus many other topics, of course. I was honored when she asked me to help her to pick someone to construct her new home and assist with her old one.
Over my many years of knowing her she always had a smile in greeting, a kind word,a curious mind. She was quick to laugh, but serious and thoughtful in discussions where seriousness was needed.
I am so sorry for her loss to the community and to Phil, David, Kristine and their partners and children. Whenever I saw her she spoke of her family with much love and admiration.

Karen Ridley

February 8, 2016

I can remember knowing I was at the right place when I saw her bumper sticker and it said "A woman's place is in the House...and also the Senate.

Molly Doran

February 8, 2016

Harriet was such advocate for nature and the environment - in her home area and beyond. During her time in the WA State Legislature, she was the strongest voice for finding a solution to protecting older forest on Blanchard Mountain. She was a delight to be in the outdoors with and always so genuinely appreciative of the work local volunteers and nonprofits were doing. Harriet left a natural legacy that will endure. Thank you Harriet. You are missed. Our deepest sympathies to all of the Spanel family.

Clayton & LaDonna George

February 8, 2016

Clayton and I met the Spanel family when they moved to the Liberty St neighborhood with their boys. Our two boys and their boys attended Franklin Grade School. We worked on many school
functions and projects together as well as neighborhood get togethers. We were all very excited for them when their daughter joined the family making it complete. Harriet was a real icon in all of her endeavors. We are so sorry to hear of her passing. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to her family.

Pat Callahan

February 7, 2016

I had the privilege of serving as Harriet's pastor at Assumption Church from 1975-81. She was not yet in elective office but was always an activist and I used to kid her about looking undressed without a button or two advocating some important cause on her blouse or sweater. I was a somewhat headstrong young priest, and she taught me a lot about the importance of listening in a collaborative way and the huge gifts of our Catholic women. I'm sure the patient perseverance she demonstrated with me was part of her remarkable success in the state legislature. She has always been a hero in my eyes and I join so many others in mourning her loss. Pat Callahan

Tony Volchok

February 7, 2016

Dear Spanel Family,
Although I hadnt seen either of your folks for years, I remember them fondly. I met them in 1971 or so both at church and had your dad at Western and had pretty much kept in touch through the years. I am so sorry for you loss and know they will be missed. As you know, our mom was a go getter. I thank her for her service. My prayers go out to all of you .God bless, Tony Volchok

Nita Smith

February 6, 2016

Harriet Spanel was a legend. I served on the Mayor's Parks & Recreation Commission with her when I was a teenager back in the 1970's. She taught me ALOT and i am the professional I am now thanks to Harriet and her mentorship in my teen years.

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