Harriet Sharp
1928-2026
Harriet was often referred to as a force of nature. She was recognized for her strong personality, resilience, and unstoppable boundless energy. Harriet earned the nick-name “Happy” for her contagious optimism and happiness.
Her thirst for adventure led her to become an avid skier. She met her future husband and the love of her life, Hank, while skiing in Aspen, CO.
Harriet was born in St. Louis, MO on October 25, 1928, to her beloved parents, Robert Woods and Harriet Manter Woods. She grew up in the St. Louis suburb of Ladue and attended Webster Groves High School. Harriet graduated from Wellesley College with the class of 1950, and after marrying, she and Hank moved to South Pasadena, CA in 1957. Harriet taught K-12 as a substitute teacher, and attended school while a full-time mother and homemaker to obtain a Master’s Degree in Education. She self-published her dissertation.
She continued to live a rich, full, and interesting life. Among other adventures, she sailed with her family from Hawaii to California for 28 days. She and Hank built two unique and extraordinary houses, one in Lake Arrowhead, and a passive solar home in Santa Barbara, CA. Harriet was a committed environmentalist. On the Santa Barbara hillside below their home she planted an organic avocado orchard in 1981 and became active in the organic growers community. She and Hank loved to travel. They traveled throughout the U.S., visiting their many friends, and exploring many interesting places and countries.
Her natural talent at leadership led her to serve her community in various leadership positions. A few of the organizations that benefited from her generous time and support include the Junior League, the Wellesley Alumni Associations of Santa Barbara and Southern California, the Girl Scouts, Girls Inc. of Santa Barbara, Webb School in Claremont, CA where she served as librarian, the Music Academy of the West, and the California Certified Organic Farmers organization. With three good friends she conceived, developed, and managed a web site for residents at the Samarkand retirement community in Santa Barbara, where she lived for 15 years and made many dear friends.
Harriet often said her family made her very happy. She was proud of her four cherished children and their spouses and her six grandchildren who she adored. She was grateful she lived long enough to delight in three great grandchildren who were her joy.
Harriet is survived by her brother, Robert Woods, sister, Susanne Shepherd, daughter Katherine Cowell (Stan), son Henry Sharp III (Julie Mullen), son Andrew Sharp, son Edward Sharp (Kelly Burke), and grandchildren Robert Cowell (Jenna Suttmeier), Ann Cowell (Luke Anthony), Rosalie Sharp (Doug Farrell), Andrew Sharp, Benjamin Sharp and Jackson Sharp, as well as three great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Henry Sharp Jr. in 2017.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the charity of your choice.
