Harriet J. Hams (also known as Great Mama), 90, of Superior, and formerly of Hibbing and Lutsen, passed away peacefully Monday, November 10, 2014, at the Golden Living Center.
Harriet was born in Minneapolis, the daughter of Dean and Mildred Schweickhard.
She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis and went on to Hamline University for LPN Nursing. She was a nurse in the Cadet Corps during WWII.
Harriet married Ray Hansen Sr. in 1945 and moved to Lutsen where she lived for 20 years. While in Lutsen, she worked at Hansen’s General Store and in their cabins. She was active in the Lutsen Lutheran Church, the volunteer fire department, the PTA and other civic activities.
Harriet moved to Hibbing in 1965 when she married Harlan Hams. She worked as an LPN for over 16 years at Hibbing Hospital, was active in the LPN Association at both local and state levels, and was an active member of First Lutheran Church. Harlan passed away in 1987 and, in 1992, Harriet moved to Superior where she was active with St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary, the Harbor House Crisis Shelter, and Ministry of Faith United Methodist Church. She was also a member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church.
She enjoyed traveling, attending church services, and being involved with the care of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Her presence has made a profound, lasting impact on our lives. We will miss her kindness, generosity, humor, laughter, and her never-ending love.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harlan; a son, Dean Hansen and a son-in-law, Kenneth Brown.
Harriet is survived by her children, Ray Hansen, Jr. of Longview, Texas, Beverly (Denny) Cornell of Janesville, Wisconsin, Donna Brown of Superior, Ruth (Dean) Lindgren of Maddock, North Dakota, Jean (Ron) Raff of West Cliff, Colorado, and Ivy (Tom) Derry of Grand Rapids, Minnesota; grandchildren, Missy (Tracy) Siers, Trevor (Jeran) Wilson, Vanessa (Matt) Brown, Shawn (Chris)Klett, Brady (Megan) Schultz, Branden Hansen, Sara (Dean) Selensky, Wade Lindgren, Ross (Sheila) Lindgren, Jill (Patrick)Johnson, Thomas (Lisa) Trochill, Matthew (Lindsey) Derry, Phillip Derry, and Jason (Katie) Derry; 20 great-grandchildren; a cousin, Bettie Egeberg; her longtime friends Eva and Tom Joyce; “her driver” Randy; and extended family.
Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 22, at 1 p.m. at Pilgrim Evangelical Lutheran Church in Superior. Reverend Will Mowchan will officiate and a time of fellowship and refreshments will follow. Harriet has donated her body to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest program.
Downs Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences, please visit www.downsfh.com.
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