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BORN
1929
DIED
2014
Merrien Harmon Obituary
Merrien Harmon, 85, of Palm Desert, California, died Dec. 24, 2014, in Palm Desert of a stroke. She was born Dec. 3, 1929 in Geneva, Nebraska as Marian Fessler. She was co-founder/coordinator of Mind Motivations and worked for Portola Center until retiring at age 76. She was a family abuse activist and along with Oprah Winfrey raised money to open Shelter from the Storm battered women's shelter in Coachella Valley. She was honored by Soroptimist Club with the Women Helping Women Award in 1989. She was vice president of American Business Womens Association and 1988 ABWA's Woman of the Year. She was president of the Women's Press Club and president of the Trendsetters Chapter of Palm Desert. She is survived by daughters Kathy Yeaman-Dyck and Karen Remus, brother Duane Fessler, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by son Rick Helton and Ralph Helton.
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Memories and Condolences
for Merrien Harmon
3 Entries
patricia ortiz
January 7, 2015
I knew Merrien many years ago when she started the Battered womens assoc. I dont know if thats still going because I have been gone from the desert for 20 years.She was an Honored woman .
Joy Brown Meredith
January 5, 2015
I am sorry to hear of Merrian's passing. She taught me about metaphysics. I did not even know what the word meant. She put me on my path for the rest of my life. She was kind and smart and very motivating. I hope you rest peacefully, dear Merrian. May memories of happy times bring comfort to your family.
Linda Harmon
January 4, 2015
Thinking of her.. She was a wonderful woman and did a lot of good things for people.. Thoughts and prayers with family..
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