Harriet passed away on September 25, 2020 at the age of 90 years. She was born on April 7, 1930 in Saint Charles Township, Michigan to the late Harry and Vida Oakes. Harriet grew up on a farm in Michigan as one of six children. She attended Bay City Junior College and became a teacher. She taught in a small one room school for several years. After teaching, Harriet did accounting work for Dow Chemical where she met several lifelong friends. She married Charles R. Watt in September of 1957. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary just prior to her husband's death in 2007.
Harriet and Charles had many travels and adventures and lived in Michigan , Illinois, Connecticut, New Jersey and then back to Michigan over the years. In 2010, Harriet moved from Michigan to Laguna Woods, California to enjoy the warmer weather and be closer to family. Harriet made many friends in Laguna Woods and enjoyed social activities such as music concerts, flower arranging, crafts and especially Bingo. She enjoyed discussing politics and was an active Democrat.
Harriet is survived by her three children; Terri (Jim) Bartlett of Laguna Hills, CA, Barbara Bork of Denver, CO and Steven (Kathryn) Watt of Orlando, FL. She adored her six grandchildren and enjoyed seeing and spending time with them as often as possible.
She is also survived by sisters Janice Steinke and Irene Muirhead and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers Jack and Duane Oakes and sister Jane Young. She is also survived by sister in law Cynthia Braun of Michigan.
Harriet's final place of rest will be in the Oakwood Mausoleum in Saginaw, Michigan.