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Nettie Harper Obituary
November 30, 1942 - March 14, 2023
Union, Washington - Nettie Jean Harper of Union, Washington died on March 14, 2023. Born on November 30, 1942 in Bremerton, Washington to Richard E. Harper and Kathryn F. Bacon, she first lived in Indianola on the Kitsap Pensinsula. After the end of the war, her family moved to Seattle, where she graduated from Franklin High School. Nettie completed her B.A. degree at Mills College in Oakland, CA and later her M.A. at Central Washington University in Ellensburg. After she married Kelly Richard Johns they first lived in Issaquah, and when they retired they moved to Union, WA on the shores of Hood Canal.
Nettie's death at age 80 came at the end of a long life made rich by many friends and interests. She loved teaching, and for many years taught at Kentridge High School in Kent, WA. There she taught English, including Advanced Placement classes, and also directed several plays - some of them musicals, including Brigadoon and Guys and Dolls. During her teaching years she was active in the Kent Education Association. After retirement she volunteered to teach English as a second language to non-English speakers.
Nettie reached out with love and compassion to those around her, and her generosity, lively mind, and sense of humor made her a joy to be with. Her life was enriched by her many friends and her extended family. She loved being part of the community of Union, where she participated in a book club, a writing group, and a swimming group in Shelton. She also loved her English-style garden, overflowing with poppies, where she would play her flute to the delight of her neighbors.
She was preceded in death by her husband Kelly and is survived by her sisters who live in the greater Seattle area: Patricia Johnston of Everett, Micaela Brostrom (Kenneth) of Mercer Island, and Marian Weldin of Normandy Park.
A scattering of ashes in Puget Sound will take place later in 2023.
Friends and family are invited to share memories and sign the family's online guest book on the website of McComb Wagner Funeral home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nettie Harper
Sponsored by McComb & Wagner Family Funeral Home & Crematory - Shelton.
3 Entries
Marianne Mabbitt
May 9, 2023
Hello, Last year I introduced myself to Nettie as a new neighbor across the St. and invited her and neighbors Jim and Ann to come over for tea. It was a lively and lovely afternoon with great discussions over tea and I really was looking forward to getting to know her better. We shared a love of musical theatre, of books and gardens.
My own sister lives in Indianola, and I sold Real Estate in the Bremerton area for years, still do in Kitsap and Mason counties.
Our condolences on the loss of your sweet sister. I know you must be suffering heavy hearts. We nearly lost our oldest brother last year, he too was born in '42. He too was a lifelong educator, Principal, Superintendent, in MI. We have many teachers in our family including my grandmother, my dad, and others still.
I hope you feel her spirit still. Peace be with you all. If we can do anything to help please let us know. Marianne and John Mabbitt 360-908-7306
370 McReavy Rd,
Phil and Jeannette Garcia
April 8, 2023
We, Phil and Jeannette Garcia, will miss both Kelly and Nettie. They brought joy to our lives on every meeting. When we went through a very rough medical patch last summer Nettie supported us in word and actions. When she was diagnosed with cancer this winter we were alarmed. She bravely said there was no medical intervention, only hospice. But then she rallied to say it was described as an "aggressive, unorganized, irrational" cancer adding that, as we all knew, this was so unlike the Nettie we loved. As we can't be with Kelly and Nettie now, we will carry them in our hearts with love.
Rosemary A Marshall
March 24, 2023
She was a lovely person. I will miss her and her smile...
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McComb & Wagner Family Funeral Home & Crematory - Shelton718 W Railroad Ave, Shelton, WA 98584
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