Obituaries: Viola Jessimine Harriman (Oct. 1, 1921 – June 28, 2011)

Viola Jessimine Harriman peacefully passed away in the comfort of her home, with her family at her side, on the evening of June 28, 2011. She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 50 years, Dale A. Harriman

Viola, more commonly known as “Kitty,” as she was referred to by her family from a very young age and throughout her life by those she considered friends, was the oldest of nine children. She lived out most of her life in Del Norte County, where she and Dale raised their children, and later their grandchildren.

In her younger years, Kitty was a waitress, then during World War II when the women of our nation were called on to fill traditionally male positions, Kitty worked as a welder. Later she became employed as a bank teller, working at the Crescent City branch of Bank of America. When Kitty and Dale married, she was able to stay at home as a homemaker.  As the children got older, Kitty became very involved in scouting with her son and daughter. She started out as a den mother for Boy Scouts and a Brownie troop leader for the Girl Scouts. Her volunteer and service work with scouting ended up becoming a major part of her life, and she also ended up becoming an Explorer Post leader teaching our youth about Native American culture, dances, bead work, and costume making. Kitty also held the position of Assistant District Commissioner for our local area council for over 35 years. Her effort, dedication, and commitment to our youth that she influenced, led, nurtured, and helped raise can still be seen in our community today and will always be felt by those lives that she touched.

For such a small woman, she led a very big life!

Kitty was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Harriman, also by her brother Frank Gochanour, and sisters Faith Lear, and Iris Garvett. She is survived by her sisters, Annice Nelson, and Anna Campbell, as well as her brothers Leon Gochanour, Claude Wyland, and Clarence Wyland. She is also survived by her son and daughter, Donald Charles Maynard II, Jacqueline Roberta Maynard. Grandma Kitty will be forever treasured in the hearts of her four grandchildren that she and Dale raised, Jamie Maynard, Brandi Hulleman, Donald Charles Maynard III, and Michael Maynard, and several great-grandchildren.

A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, July 10, 2011, at the Elk Valley Community Building located at 2298 Norris Ave. off  Elk Valley Road. This will be an informal gathering for anyone who wishes to come honor and remember Kitty, share stories and reminisce. You are welcome to bring any photos to show/share.

We ask that any flowers be  arranged with Redwood Gardens Florists, and anyone wishing to make any donations/contributions on her behalf to the Boy or Girl Scouts, or for any other questions, please contact Jamie Maynard 707-954-6681.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wier’s Mortuary Chapel of Crescent City.

— Submitted by Wier’s Mortuary Chapel