SOUTH NEW BERLIN – Harriet K. Stevens, 90, long-time resident of South New Berlin, passed away Wednesday evening, April 13, 2011, in Chase Memorial Nursing Home of New Berlin.
Born in Exeter in January of 1921, Harriet was the daughter of Chester Leo and Bessie Loucks Higbie. While growing up, she attended the Richfield Springs Central School, from which she graduated in the class of 1940. After earning her teacher certificate from the Evangelical Teacher Training Association, Harriet taught Sunday school for over 25 years. She worked for the home for Down’s Syndrome Children in Edmeston, served as a telephone operator in South New Berlin, and was known to be a “lifelong homemaker.” Having lived through the Great Depression, Harriet knew the benefit of making do and of making things. She was always at her sewing machine, designing and making Barbie doll clothes. She loved baking and having family members visit at her home. Talented at crocheting and knitting, she would knit mittens for all of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, as well as any child that attended her church, the Holmesville Baptist Church, where she had been a member for many years. In her youth, she was a member of the Girl Scouts, and later served as a Girl Scout leader.
On Dec. 21, 1941, at the Baptist church in Edmeston, Harriet married William Keith Stevens. Harriet is survived by her children and their spouses: Joyce and Charles Closs of Afton, William Stevens of Sidney, and Marlese and Edward McGowan of South New Berlin; and her grandchildren and their spouses: Christina and John McDermott, Diahanna and Jeffrey Deuel, Charles K. Closs, Kathryn Closs, William C. Stevens, Jill Stevens and Stephen Sklenarik, Brian and Renae McGowan, and Bruce McGowan. Also surviving are 6 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, William, on Dec. 14, 1984; by her sister and brother, Dorothy Woodbridge and Robert Higbie; and by her granddaughter, Suzanne.
Memorial services for Harriet will be held at 11 a.m. Monday from the Holmesville Baptist Church, with Pastor Romeyn Kipp officiating. There will be no calling hours. Interment will follow in the Union Cemetery of Edmeston.
Harriet’s family would appreciate memorial contributions to the South New Berlin Fire Dept., South New Berlin, NY 13843; or to the Holmesville Baptist Church, 3024 State Highway 8, South New Berlin, NY 13843.
Arrangements are by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.