Harriet Anne Deshayes

Our Mother, Grammy, GiGi, family matriarch and prayer warrior passed into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, January 14, 2024. If you have ever known Harriet, then she has faithfully prayed for you. Harriet was born August 21, 1927, in Valparaiso, Nebraska to parents Clement aka Mike and Fern Schmidt plus 10-year-old sister Lola. While growing up on a farm in Valparaiso was not exactly exciting, she did have a good life filled with love. When Harriet was in high school, she volunteered to help take care of her grandmother allowing her the opportunity to move from the farm to the city which she found very exciting. After completing business school Harriet began working with a bank in Lincoln. Eventually she met Albert Deshayes who had returned a hero after serving during WWII, US Army 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment. Al’s family was big, 5 sisters and one brother, they were loud, yet fun and also shared many family dinners. Quiet and reserved Harriet was drawn to the excitement of their gatherings. The two married in 1947 and started a family of their own.

Michael was born a year later followed by Nanci after four years. When Nanci was an infant Harriet was diagnosed with polio. She was told she would never walk again or have more children. Harriet spent months in the hospital determined to prove the doctors wrong. She embraced this challenge even though she was only one of two to survive in her ward. The other survivor became her friend and was paralyzed for the rest of his life. She worked hard and eventually walked again. Harriet was given the strength to prove the doctors wrong. Just a few years later Al and Harriet decided to take a big leap as the family of four moved from Lincoln, Nebraska to Fresno, California! Harriet’s strength went on to prove those doctors wrong again by having two more children Mark and James in California. This sweet, quiet farm girl was now the mother of four very spirited children. Her strength also carried her through those years. She became the mom who worked tirelessly keeping up with her children via school PTA, sports, Campfire Girls, cooking, baking, sewing and everything else in between as she truly was a 1950’s wife and mother.

When Nanci was old enough to “watch” the little brothers after school Harriet was able to go back to work and eventually started her 20-year career with St Agnes Hospital. Working both as a nurse’s aide and later in Employee Health. She retired from the hospital yet treasured and remained great friends with her coworkers as she loved them like her family. In retirement she accompanied her husband on many trips and supported his involvement with the Legion of Valor.

After Al’s passing her strength and love of Jesus helped her as she filled her time with family, friends, and church activities. Harriet’s strength also helped her to live to see her grandchildren and great grandchildren as they all came home this year for Christmas. Our mom remained strong and refused to give up until the very end.

Harriet is survived by her sons Michael Deshayes, Mark Deshayes and his wife Andrea, daughter Nanci and husband Dan Hawkins, granddaughters Jaime and husband Philipp Imbusch, Hannah Hawkins, great grandchildren Josephine and James Imbusch, nieces Sharon Walsh and Margaret Russell as well as many great nieces and nephews. Harriet was preceded in death by her parents, Mike and Fern Schmidt, sister Lola Sedell, nephews Jim and Steve Sedell, husband Al Deshayes and son James Deshayes. We are filled with joy especially knowing she is reunited with our Dad and brother, James “Jimmy”.

A memorial will be held 11:30 am Friday, January 26, 2024 at Campus Bible Church, 222 E. Fountain Way, Fresno, CA 93704, located on the corner of Palm and Fountain Way.