Harriet F. Weston of Hingham, MA, age 98, passed away at home surrounded by family on August 20, 2025. She was the devoted mother of John R. Weston and James L. Weston (Suzanne) and grandmother of Ian and Evan Weston. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard G. Weston.
Harriet was born at home in Elizabeth, NJ, the daughter of John C. and Pauline L. Gasorek. She was the youngest of six siblings, Estelle, John, Benjamin, Edward, and Dorothy. Harriet graduated from Battin High School in 1944 and Union Junior College, Cranford NJ in 1946. She also studied library science at Wagner College and New Jersey State Teachers College.
Harriet’s education prepared her well and her faith gave her conviction to take initiative and apply herself with excellence in all things. She began her career working at the college as a librarian, helped with fundraising, and at the request of the college president, arranged teas for young women interested in community work. A club was formed, and Harriet became the first president, thus launching her life-long dedication to women’s club work at the local and state level in New Jersey and later Massachusetts.
In the corporate world, Harriet worked for fifteen years as an executive secretary, first at Remington Rand in Manhattan, where she rose to the office of the president, and after marriage, at Sperry Rand – UNIVAC Division in Boston. She was listed in the 1964-1965 “Who’s Who of American Women”.
In Hingham, MA, Harriet worked at home while raising her two sons. She became active in the Hingham Women’s Club, later becoming president. As fundraisers, she compiled cookbooks for the Hingham Congregational Church, the PM Club of Hingham, and the MSFWC.
Later, Harriet worked for seven administrations of the Massachusetts State Federation of Women’s Clubs as Executive Secretary.
During this time, she participated in various state projects such as: Children’s Protective Services, Talking Information Center (for the visually impaired), and New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans. But her favorite project was the New England Assistance Dogs Service (NEADS). As the GFWC of MA project chairman, she spearheaded community education and the fundraising of $40,000 to train and graduate ten dogs and their recipients.
Harriet was a member of the Ladies Physiological Institute, the first women’s club in America, which promoted knowledge of the human system, health, and fitness. She also enjoyed and collected bells which led her to become a member of the New England Chapter of the American Bell Association, International, and later serve as chairman.
Harriet kept a long-long affiliation with the Order of Eastern Star. She also assisted her husband in his service through the Lodge, Grotto, and the Military Officers of America Association. They were regulars at the YMCA in Quincy. Together, Richard and Harriet made many dear friends while united with others in dedication to community improvement through volunteer service.
Once asked to share the greatest thing on her mind, Harriet quickly answered, “That I would love the Lord and serve him all my days.” She will be remembered for her love, quick wit, motivation, and generous spirit.
Harriet was buried alongside her husband at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, September 27 at South Shore Baptist Church, 578 Main Street, Hingham, MA. Visitation at 10:00, memorial service at 11:00, followed by refreshments in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, donations to the New England Assistance Dogs Service (NEADS) in Princeton, MA are appreciated. For more information and an online guestbook visit www.downingchapel.com.