Harriet Joan Schiffer died Aug. 10, 2024, after a brief stay at her daughter’s home in Virginia Beach, VA; she was 93 years old.

Harriet was a soft-spoken woman whose insightful wisdom and gentle spirit left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her. Her love and guidance shaped the lives of her children, and she was a cherished grandmother, especially in her final days as she held her newest great grandson, Warren.

Harriet was raised on a farm in Lakeview, Michigan, attended Central Michigan University, and graduated with a B.A. from Michigan State University. She taught in a one-room schoolhouse and at Valley View Elementary in Lansing. She also worked as a realtor in the early 1970’s.

She married Maurice Schiffer Aug. 11, 1951, at St. Michaels Church, Remus, Michigan, raised their four children in Lansing, and attended St. Therese Church.   They went on to live at Canadian Lakes, then moved to Traverse City, where they owned and operated The Depot Bar. She spent 10 years in Rockport, TX, where she was a docent at the Rockport Center for the Arts, then moved to Laguna Vista Mobile Estates, Oceanside, CA in 2010.

Some of Harriet’s many talents included cooking, gardening, sewing, painting, and creating quilts for her grandchildren’s weddings and new babies. She rarely used patterns, preferring to create her own designs. She greatly enjoyed her friends at Laguna Vista and the park’s Clay Club. She loved to celebrate holidays, and was known for giving great parties. She also enjoyed traveling, rock collecting, and was an avid reader.

Surviving are her children: Ariel Ky of Patzcuaro, Mexico, Patrick Schiffer (Teresa) of Crystal Beach, TX, JoAnn Burdett (Ron) of Virginia Beach, VA, eight grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by son Barton Oct. 28, 1971, husband Maurice Feb. 4, 2010, and siblings, Grace, Palmer, Mary, Ruth and Roger.

A Celebration of Life for Harriet will be held at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA on Sept. 26, 2024 at 11:00am.