Harriett McWethy Straus 54
November 29, 2020, in Gardiner, New York.
Born in Chadron, Nebraska, Harriett grew up on a ranch in Wyoming. At Reed, she studied Russian literature and met David Straus ’53 , marrying him in 1955. She went on to earn a degree in library science from SUNY Buffalo and worked as the law librarian for the Ulster County Supreme Court in Kingston, New York, until retiring in 1996. She was civically engaged as a member of the League of Women Voters, and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, supported the American Friends Service Committee, and donated time to the Office for the Aging.
A dedicated researcher with eclectic curiosity, Harriet was interested in local history and native flora and fauna. She enjoyed book groups and supported local libraries. She is survived by her three children: Lisa, Lee, and David.
Appeared in Reed magazine: September 2021
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