Harriet J. McCann

Harriet J. McCann, age 76 of Fremont, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2008 at the Gerber Memorial Health Services. Harriet with her family at her side, passed away following a long illness and a broken heart from the loss of her husband of 57 years George 3 weeks ago. Harriet was born on December 31, 1931 in Fremont to John and Grace A. (Roelofs) Betten and graduated from Fremont High School in 1949. Harriet met and later married George G. McCann on December 15, 1951 in Fremont and George preceded her in death on November 20, 2008. Harriet started work at the Gerber Products Company in Fremont during her senior year in High School in 1949 and retired after 41 years in 1990 as an assistant buyer. Harriet’s life and love was her husband, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Harriet especially enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and attending family gatherings together. Harriet enjoyed crocheting and knitting and had enjoyed ceramics and pottery in her younger years.

She is survived by her children, Gail (Mark) Warnement of Fremont; Guy (Dawn) McCann of Holland; Jon (Thana) McCann of Grand Rapids; her grandchildren, Elizabeth McCann; Ashley Westbrook; Chad Petersen; Chelsa (Matt) Brandsen; her great grandchildren, Gabriella Westbrook; Amber Petersen; Tyler Brandsen; her sisters, Bernadine Boeskool of Fremont; Kay Westbrook of Fremont; Barbara Betten of Fremont; Grace (Morey) Racey of Fremont; Marsha (Ken) VanKampen of Wayland; sister-in-laws, Grace O’Neil of Florida; Evelyn Pyne of Florida; several nieces and nephews; a very special friend, Joyce Carpenter. She was preceded in death by brothers Joseph Betten and Johnny Betten.

VISITATION : Sunday 4-7 pm at Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel. FUNERAL SERVICES : Monday at 11am at the Fremont United Methodist Church. INTERMENT : Maple Grove Cemetery. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS : Fremont United Methodist Church Nancy McClain Liver Fund.

Harriet was truly one of a kind. I am so sad to learn that Harriet passed away so close to George’s passing. But there is some comfort they are still together and I am sure they are still watching over all of you. Harriet was such a big part of the Kent kids lives as we were growing up. My dad and Harriet (and Joyce too) were a great team at Gerber. We would often ride our bikes to Gerber to ask dad for if we could go somewhere or do something. And a great deal of the time he would be busy and Harriet would just tell us to just go ahead. She was always so great to us and I have no doubt she was like that with everyone. My heartfelt condolences to all of your family. Harriet was so very special and I am thankful for having her in my life to so many years.

Kevin Kent

Posted 12/13/2008

Our condolences to your family again, may our thoughts be with your family now. Peace to you all. Jim and Gwen

Posted 12/13/2008

I'm sorry to hear of your mom passing and so soon to your dad's.

I never remembering Harriet saying "you kids have to go home now" when all of us would show up...and many of us spent hours at the McCann's. It often seemed like a second home. My first fried bologna sandwich was made by Harriet. What a lifetime of memories I have by knowing your family.

Diane Pratt Cleland

Posted 12/14/2008

We are so saddened, and surprised, to learn of Harriet's passing. She was one of a kind......friend to all, always pleasant, positive, and upbeat regardless of the day or pain which she endured so many years. Having Harriet for a dear friend continued through our years at Gerber and to the end. I held a baby shower for her when John came tagging along; we were part of the famous OTLB group; and shared so many great times together. May God bless all of you as you reshape lives to go on without either parent's physical presence. Gale, you have been a mainstay of your parents through some hard times this past year or so. Please rejoice in their lives, and know you made their final days much easier. All our love, Yvonne and Max Lee

Posted 12/14/2008

We were so surprised to hear about Harriet and of course saddened that you all had to endure this so soon after George. We have such great memories of Harriet. It was clear that she had a true gift in caring for her family. Who wouldn't love to be invited to their home for a holiday - - she was the best cook ever and obviously put her special touch on everything that she prepared. You all were so blessed to have had parents who were a true example of what parents should be. We hope that your special memories will give you peace. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.