Harriet Pearl Holmquist Neal

Harriet Pearl Holmquist Neal

Harriet Pearl Holmquist Neal, 88, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, teacher, and photographer passed away on September 25th, 2025 surrounded by her family.

Born in Rawlins, Wyoming, on March 18, 1937, Harriet moved to Santa Barbara, California, as a young girl after World War II, but spent most of her adult life in New Mexico and Arizona. Following her formative years in Wyoming and Santa Barbara, Harriet attended college in Colorado and New Mexico, earning degrees in mathematics and philosophy. During and after her education, she raised five children and taught middle and high school mathematics in Albuquerque Public Schools. Later, she pursued advanced degrees and went on to teach philosophy at the University of New Mexico, bringing the same clarity, compassion, and curiosity to higher education that she brought to every classroom.

Beyond her professional life, Harriet gave freely of her time and spirit, volunteering for several decades as an art docent at museums in New Mexico and Arizona; serving as President of the National Docent Symposium; serving on the Placitas Library Board in New Mexico; and supported others as a facilitator with Living Through Cancer, drawing from her own strength and courage in facing cancer multiple times during her life.

Harriet was an avid outdoor enthusiast and an accomplished photographer who found beauty in the natural world and shared it through her lens. Her love of horses shaped much of her life and family; she passed down that passion by raising and riding horses with her children and mentoring young riders with the U. S. Pony Club. She also brought healing and empathy into the lives of struggling youth through art therapy, offering light and creativity where it was most needed.

Harriet cherished art, music, books, and nature, but most of all, people. She believed deeply in giving back to her community through service and the generosity of her spirit that she modeled every day. She strived to live up to these ideals and inspired others to do the same.

Harriet is survived by her husband of 40 years, James Neal; her children, Robert Barner, Karl Barner, Erica Seidl, and John Barner; her stepchildren, Rebecca Neal, Ruth Neal, and Matthew Neal; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her stepdaughter, Martha Neal; her daughter, Kathy Diehl; and her granddaughter, Samantha Seidl.

Harriet leaves a legacy of strength, kindness, and service. Her middle name, Pearl, perfectly reflects her character: something rare, radiant, and treasured. Just as pearls are formed through resilience, Harriet's life shined with insight, sensitivity, and care. She will be profoundly missed.

In honor of Harriet's generous spirit, the family invites donations be made to the Placitas Community Library or the Placitas Artists Series. A memorial sponsored by the Placitas Artists Series with music and featuring photographic art by Harriet will be held at her home on November 30th, 2025 from 1-4 p.m.