She was born to the late Effie and Harry Olson in Cliffside Park, NJ on September 26, 1929 at 7 months gestation. The midwife told her mother not to bother to feed her for “she would not survive”. Not only did Harriet survive but she thrived and CELEBRATED LIFE. Harriet was an only child who relished family. Great care was devoted in purchasing personalized gifts and cards. Planning events and vacations were part of her administrative talents. Harriet fully embodied the quintessential woman as described in Proverbs 31 and faithfully served her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She joyfully embraced her responsibilities as keeper of the home.
Harriet learned to play the violin and piano as a child. She continued to share her musical ability in multiple venues, including serving as a choir director. Harriet was adept at word games and puzzles. Her love of reading kept her mind sharp. Harriet won awards for her ability in stenography and typing. She crocheted afghans and sewed matching outfits for her children. Harriet loved to wear anything with sparkles; she was a woman of great taste.
Harriet was committed to pray and intercede for all needs. Before retiring to Charlotte, NC in 1984, Harriet grew up in Ridgefield, NJ. Harriet was a faithful member of Calvary Church in Palisades Park, NJ. Her maternal grandparents, Josephine and Gunnar Carlson, Swedish immigrants, were charter members of the Evangelical Church of West New York, NJ, which transitioned to Palisades Park as Calvary Church. She was an active member at First Assembly in Concord, NC for 25 years. The past five years Harriet has been a member at Cornerstone Baptist Church of Charlotte, NC.
Harriet was the first in her family of Swedish immigrants to consistently attend school. In 1947, Harriet graduated from Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood, NJ.
Harriet was married to Berner Thomassen September 27, 1952 and is survived by her husband of 60 years. Harriet is survived by three daughters, Elayn Alterman of Charlotte, NC; Joanne Potter, husband Cary, of Charlotte, NC; Grace Marotti, husband David, of Maywood, NJ and one son, Dr. Harry Thomassen, wife Martha, of Fairfield, TX; thirteen grandchildren, Dr. Daniel Alterman, wife Heidi, James Potter, wife Nikki, Cynthia Andersson, husband Jan-Eric, Kristin Arce, husband Miguel, Andrew Alterman, wife Mayda, Keren Potter, Joshua Marotti, fiancee Amy, Philip Alterman, John Potter, Joanna Potter, Jordan Marotti, Gloria Thomassen, Karley Thomassen and ten great-grandchildren, Caleb Alterman, Kathryn Arce, Hadassah Alterman, Naomi Alterman, Lukas Andersson, Mackenzie Potter, Morgan Arce, Mordecai Alterman, Carson Potter and Sofia Andersson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cornerstone Weekday Preschool,
8947 Albemarle Road, Charlotte NC 28227, Kristin Arce, Program Director or Pleasant Hills Children’s Home, P.O. Box 1177, Fairfield, TX 75840, Dr. Harry Thomassen, Director.
McEwen Funeral Service, Mint Hill Chapel, will be serving the family. Visitors will be received 3:00-5:00 PM Sunday, October 7, 2012 at McEwen Mint Hill Chapel. A celebration of the life of Harriet will be held 11:00 AM Monday, October 8, 2012 at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 8947 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC.
Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.
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