Harriet Naylor

harriet naylor
Harriet B. Naylor, age 91, of Fargo, died Monday, June 1, 2020 at home. Harriet Margaret Barr was born on December 22, 1928, the daughter of Mary Louise Riedesel Barr and Clifford Barr, in Chicago, Illinois. She attended St. Andrew Catholic Grade School and graduated from Immaculata High School in 1946. She worked for the U.S. Treasury Department in Chicago during the early 1950s. Harriet married Gordon Kenneth Naylor on June 25, 1955 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Chicago. She moved to Fargo, North Dakota and began her family with Gordon. Her mother Louise eventually moved to Fargo, and the family transferred to Spokane, Washington and Missoula, Montana for Gordon’s job with the Northern Pacific Railroad. The family moved back to Fargo in 1969 and Harriet lived the rest of her life there. Harriet loved raising her six children, Kathy, Clifford, Jim, Dave, Ken, and Mary Ann and cared for many of her sixteen grandchildren when they were born. She began working full-time once all her children were in school, for Dakota Bank and the Fargo Fire Department. Harriet was a devout Catholic and went to work to ensure all her children would attend Catholic schools. She became an active member of Professional Secretaries International and made many friends through that organization. She kept herself busy at all times. She loved knitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidery, and quilting. She was a good teacher, and taught the crafts she loved to others throughout her life. She also loved going to the lakes with her family each summer. The family originally gathered at Big Pine Lake for six weeks every summer. Later in life, the family held reunions each year at Lake Lida and later Ice Cracking Lake. She also loved dancing, traveling and watching the Hallmark Channel. Harriet’s mother Louise immigrated to America from Luxembourg in 1922. Harriet traveled to Europe to meet her relatives in 1988. She met cousins, nieces, nephews and other family members in Luxembourg and Belgium. Harriet also enjoyed trips to Ireland, Paris, France, Grand Cayman, Seattle, Vancouver, Delaware, and Florida. Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon, her brother, Clifford, and her parents, Louise and Clifford. She is survived by her children, Kathleen (Jay) Nelson of Fargo; Clifford (Monica Hannan) of Bismarck; James J. (Nancy) of Fargo; David of Fargo; Kenneth of Fargo; and Mary Ann of Washington, DC; 16 grandchildren, Katey, Michael, and Lauren (Kathy); Meghanne, CJ, and Hannah (Clifford); Olivia, Logan, and Dylan (Jim); Chris, Ben, Dana and Daniel (David); and Emily, Madison and Andrew (Ken); three great-grandchildren, Aria (Lauren Nelson); and Thomas and Daniel (Emily Jetvig). Harriet valued family and religion, and at the end, she was surrounded by her family and supported by her faith. Visitation will be 6-7 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M., on Thursday, June 4, at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. with visitation starting at 9:00, Friday, June 5, at Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church, Fargo.

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  1. Mary Ann, I am so sorry for your loss. I want to send my condolences to you and your family. I remember when we were in high school how warm your mom was and how she seemed patient and tolerant of our adolescent foibles. I’m sure she saw the legacy of kindness and determination she left. I wish I could be there to celebrate her life with you, but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

  2. Harriet was a wonderful woman, who will live on in the many traditions the Naylor family have. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family…

  3. So sorry to hear of the death of your mother Cliff. Prayers for you and the rest of the family.
    Dennis and Karen Kooren

  4. I am certain that Our Lord welcomed Harriet with the words ,”Well done, good and faithful servant”. she will be missed.

  5. Harriet was a gentle soul, she will be missed at Grace Pointe! She had a smile when I would see her at the mailbox and was always interested in saying hello to Phoebe, my fur person.
    We were so pleased to have her at our New Years event of food and games, her huge box of lefse was certainly a hit.
    She was at my table when we played games, a good time for sure!
    Our sympathies and blessings to her family!

  6. Peace be with you my dear Harriot. Will so miss you! So honored to be sewing buddies! May you be sewing with my mom in heaven. Love you!

  7. To Mary, Kathy, and the rest of the Naylor family, my deepest sympathy to you. Your mom was an adventurous woman in her way! I hope your memories of her love sustain you in this time ahead. May you find comfort in being together. Remember and honor her at the lake this summer. Vi

  8. So sorry to hear about your mom she always had a nice smile and I loved her voice she’s with your dad now and with my dad Gordon and my dad were close you guys all know that God bless and take care Andrea

  9. Thinking and praying for all the NAYLOR children and Grandchildren during this time of loss of dear Harriet.
    God bless you all.

  10. I remember Harriet each time I pass by the beautiful beaded Celtic symbols she created and which now are displayed on the wall at Sacred Heart Convent. She is a beautiful lady who will be long remembered. May she rest in peace and may her family be comforted by their faith and their memories.

  11. I am so sorry to hear of Harriet’s passing. I got to know her through the Sit & Sew quilt group. She was such a pleasure to know. She was always ready to help someone if they asked. I had her show me how to embroider but unfortunately I just couldn’t get the hang of it. She did such beautiful work & we always had a good time when she was around. I’m so glad I got to know her & will always remember her.

  12. Harriet was the sweetest customer when I worked at Stitch It in Fargo. It was always a pleasure to have her in the shop.
    Prayers of comfort and peace to all who loved her.
    Candace Erickson


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