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HARRIET JOHNSON NADEN

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Augustana College Northwestern University

HARRIET NADEN Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Dec. 17 to Dec. 20, 2020.

MOUNT PROSPECT - Harriet Johnson Naden, age 83, formerly of Mt. Prospect, IL passed away peacefully in Rio Rancho, NM on December 8, 2020. Harriet Johnson was born on December 19, 1936 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Robert D. Johnson and Della V. Johnson. Harriet, always an outstanding academic, graduated valedictorian of Amundson High School Class of 1954, in Chicago. She pursued her dream, obtaining her undergraduate degree in English from Augustana College, Rock Island, IL, and a graduate degree in English from Northwestern University. Harriet began her distinguished career teaching English at Maine Township High School South, and subsequently at Maine Township High School West. She married Robert Naden in 1965, and continued teaching while her sons were growing up. After retiring from Maine District 207 in June 1994, Harriet worked for Illinois State University and Northeastern Illinois University mentoring aspiring student teachers in her field. Harriet's love of the teaching profession was always present as she inspired countless numbers of students. Her colleagues admired her creativity, originality of ideas, passion, compassion, and humor as she went about her daily life. Harriet was a unique person ~ she was the consummate hostess, inviting a great number of people into hers and Robert's home. Friends will never forget her graciousness. Harriet's love of family was demonstrated daily, as she and Robert were active lifelong participants in the lives and education of their two children, Richard and Daniel. Harriet absolutely loved books. She shared her love of books with others, especially her grandchildren, introducing them to the magical and real worlds held in books ~ a great gift she gave to them. Harriet mastered the art of giving: to her husband, sons and their families, the gift of endearing and forever love; to her friends, the gift of caring and generosity; to her students, the gift of her immense academic intelligence and communicating the art of teaching; to all that she had met, the gift of kindness. Harriet is survived by her husband of nearly 55 years, Robert of Rio Rancho, NM; her two sons, Richard (Silesha) of Rio Rancho, NM; Daniel (Shannon) of Austin, TX; and her four grandchildren, Preston, Nathan, Abigail, Nicholas; two sisters-in-law, Ann Ayres and Marge Everett. In lieu of gifts/flowers, please send donations to Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 or call them for Debit/Credit card transactions - 1-800-272-3900.

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Recent Activity

October 15, 2022

Marjorie Press Lindblom posted to the memorial.

December 19, 2020

Elizabeth Michael posted to the memorial.

December 18, 2020

Jean Paychl posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Marjorie Press Lindblom

October 15, 2022

Just wanted you to know that I had Harriet Johnson as a teacher in high school, shortly before she became Mrs. Naden. I still remember her teaching me how to write well. She was demanding because she knew I could live up to her high expectations. More than fifty-five years I still remember her teaching. Indeed, thinking about her today impelled me to look her up and find this announcement. I hope she knew how much she was appreciated.

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Elizabeth Michael

December 19, 2020

Harriet and I met as fellow English teachers at Maine East and later Maine South H.S. We both moved from our apartments and bought houses when we began our families on School St. in Mt. Prospect. The road from my house to Harriet's was well traveled by us with baby buggies, later escorting our children to play at each other's houses, and later progressive dinners, a food club and many, many cups of coffee in our kitchens and good times as we raised our families. She inspired me to be a better teachers. Her devotion to our profession was unparalleled. Even though moved to Texas in 1977, we stayed in touch by phone and cards. I am saddened she has left this world.

Jean Paychl

December 18, 2020

I met Harriet when we belonged to the Iota chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma for women educators. She was a friendly, warm person who enriched our meetings greatly. Harriet’ lovely home was the setting for many of our Christmas luncheon/meetings, and she always was a gracious hostess. We lost track of her when she moved, but it’s comforting to know she spent her last years near the family she loved. My condolences to her family.

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