Harriet Esther Barrett Pfuntner

Harriet Esther Barrett Pfuntner, 104 years old, passed away peacefully at home on January 30 ^th , 2020 in Jacksonville, FL.

Harriet was born on May 29, 1915 in Dover, Maine. After living in a number of local nearby towns, her parents, Harold Wilson and Nellie Margie Davis Barrett settled in Sangerville, Maine.

Harriet was an excellent student, editor–in-chief of the school newspaper and graduated from high school as valedictorian of the class of 1933.

She attended Gorham Normal School in Gorham, ME and attained her 2 year elementary teaching degree. She often spoke fondly of her first teaching assignments, in a one room school house, and how rewarding and satisfying they were. Later in life, she attended Salem College, Salem, MA and completed her 4 year teaching degree with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1962.

She married the love of her life, Richard Alonzo Pfuntner, on September 9, 1939. They honey mooned in New York City attending the 1939 World’s Fair. This was the beginning of extensive traveling during their happy and amazing 66 years of marriage. They had two daughters, Judith Harriet and Sharon Margie (born respectively in 1941 and 1943).

Harriet led a very active life participating in many church activities, various clubs, the hospital auxiliary and the Order of Eastern Star. She was always ready and willing to serve in leadership roles as a vibrant and valued volunteer.

Harriet loved spending time with her family and many friends and was truly the “host with the most”. All enjoyed their time and visits with the Pfuntner family. She loved her time at Square Pond in Shapleigh, Maine which they started building in 1950. She named the cottage, “Camp Happy” and it continues to provide many happy memories to all that have been fortunate to visit there.

Harriet was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Richard Alonzo, her daughter, Judith Harriet Pfuntner Nowers, her son-in-law, Darel Clark Nowers, her son-in-law, Ronald Lewis Peters, her granddaughter, Daryl Ann Nowers and her great grandson, Krin Matthew Thayer. Harriet is survived by her daughter, Sharon Margie Pfuntner Peters, 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and 2 great- great grandchildren.

A private family burial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, her family is requesting donations to Community Hospice Foundation, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 (904-886-3883) The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to them for their loving and compassionate care shown to Harriet and family members.