Harriet Gates Stern passed away peacefully at home on April 28, 2017 in Fort Walton Beach, Florida at the age of 96.

Harriet Alice was born on February 23, 1921 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Mary Elizabeth Doyle and Robert Leslie Gates; she was sister to Ruth, John, Edith, Esther and David.  Harriet was from an Irish family of very modest means.  She emerged from the Depression a strong and hearty young woman who travelled by herself to Galveston, Texas to marry her high school sweetheart, Allen Robert Stern (1921-2007), on September 4, 1943.  Together they raised five strong and successful daughters in New Orleans.

As a child, Harriet pursued her education eagerly.   Her love of learning and reading continued throughout her life.  She participated in competitive swimming and diving in her youth.  Harriet also enjoyed skiing, golfing, teaching and playing bridge with her family, designing and decorating homes in Louisiana and Texas, internationally travelling with Al, and of course, Florida beach weeks with her family.   In supporting her geologist husband, she became a gourmet cook, expertly entertaining the upper crust of oilfield elite in the UK, Houston and New Orleans.

Harriet lived her life with a unique combination of enthusiasm and elegance, and leaves behind a large and loving family to remember and celebrate her life.  Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law; Anne and Larry Sheridan, Patti and Bob Habans, Kris and Art Pattison, Allison and Don Clement, Mary and Steve Niven.

Her grandchildren; Lesli (Paul), Stephanie (Elemi), Jen, Karen (Sean), Lisbeth (Gaurav), John, Andrew (Chandra), Matt (Freida), Steven (Jessica), Mike (Audrey), Hilary, Robby, Tom and Chelsea. 

Her great grandchildren; Lucy, Maddie, Sol, Riley, Francesca, Kay, Graham, Nico, Ethan, Scott, Andy, Althea, Arya, Olive, Nick, Keke, Leotine, Sophia, Michael, Brooks, Vachi, Quinn and her newest great grandchild  on the way!

Harriet’s life spanned incredibly diverse circumstances and an extraordinary amount of time. She handled both with grace and dignity.  We all loved our beautiful Mom and our Grandma Harriet and miss her so very much!

Harriet’s family warmly thanks the staff of Assisted Living of Meridian at Westwood. Her entire family wants to actively participate in sending Harriet off with the same grace, elegance and fun she demonstrated throughout her life.  A funeral mass will be held on July 16, 2018 at 11:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church in Fort Walton Beach.  Inurnment will take place at Jesse Rogers Cemetery at noon.  I

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