Harriette Anderson gently passed from this earth at the age of 99 at Juniper Village on March 14, 2022, with her sons at her side.
Harriette was a happy, kind, and gentle soul with great inner strength. She was happiest when she was serving others, and everyone who knew her commented on what a remarkably giving person she was. Whether with her family (including children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews), her church, her friends, or the larger community, giving of herself gave her life the most meaning.
Harriette was born on January 3, 1923, in the Town of Huron, NY, the daughter of Walter and Carrie (Glimpse) Smith. She grew up on a farm with her five sisters and a brother. The family moved to Niagara Falls when she was just out of high school, where she met the love of her life, Urbin "Whitey” Anderson, a newly drafted Army Private. They married on August 23, 1943, just months before Whitey shipped out to Europe during World War II. Harriette lived with her parents and gave birth to their firstborn son more than a year before Whitey returned to the U.S.
Harriette was a loving and devoted mother and wife. She and Whitey raised their family of 3 boys in Niagara Falls, where they were both active members of Saint James Methodist Church and where Harriette served as the Church Secretary for a number of years. The family then moved for a new job to Rochester, NY, and ultimately retired to Prattsburgh, NY, where they found a welcoming community. Harriette was a tireless volunteer in her church, the library, and food pantry - organizing church suppers, making quilts as fundraisers, and helping with community events at the American Legion and VFW.
After an especially severe New York winter, Harriette made the big decision to move near her family and become an independent living resident at Juniper Village. She was happy living the Juniper Life, where she again was a tireless volunteer serving as the front desk receptionist, helping in the library, and guiding new residents to the routines of the Willows Community. Harriette, a friend to all, always had a smile on her face and took great pride in being a part of the Juniper community. See was an ardent Buffalo Bills and Atlanta Braves fan!
Harriette is the last of her generation of the Smith family, having been preceded in death by her brother and five sisters. She grieved her husband's passing and deeply mourned her son Ronald's premature death. Harriette leaves behind two sons, Robert (and Kim Tait) of Boalsburg, PA, Richard and Mary of Davie, Florida; 8 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Harriette's life at 3 PM on August 6, 2022, at Juniper Village, 1900 Cliffside Drive, State College, PA.
Harriette was an avid reader. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to contribute in her memory may donate to the library at Juniper Village, State College, PA, or the Prattsburgh Free Library, 26 S. Main St, Prattsburgh, NY 14873.