Harriet Johnson

Those who knew Harriet (Solberg) Johnson may remember her as a woman of deep faith complemented by a warm and loving heart full of quiet intention centered around family, church, and community. Her life was full! She passed away peacefully in her home on May 10th with family present. It was a privilege and honor to be with her; she was truly "excited" about her new chapter in Heaven. She was relentlessly positive.

Harriet Marlowe (Solberg) Johnson was born August 18, 1928 in Sharon, ND to her parents, Philip E. and Alma (Fjeld) Solberg. She is pre-deceased by her parents, her husband (Gerry) whom she met at St. Olaf College, sisters Phyllis Albert and Clarice Kittleson and is survived by her sister, LaVaughn Martin. Harriet and Gerry had 4 children; Tom (Terri) Martinez-Johnson, Nancy (Walter) Saunders, Sue Ann (Bryan) Cormack, and Carolyn (Tom) Espel along with 5 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren, who miss her dearly.

Among many gifts, Harriet was foundational to the enjoyment of the family's moves from Minnesota to California, back to Minnesota, to Scotland, back to Minnesota, on to California with Gerry's work, and finally to Fargo. Her resilience shone through with her unique ability to make new friends while nurturing long-time, dear friendships. Harriet had so much warmth and dedication to making each place 'home' while participating in her volunteer work with church, Girl Scouts, working part-time, and serving various communities in need.

As a family, we feel so blessed by her amazing lust and love for life, infectious smile, continuous curiosity and yearn to learn, story-telling, and for her authentic connection with others. We are grateful to so many for the remarkable community support over the past years at Edgewood Vista and, most recently, the teams from Sanford Health, Griswold Home Health Care, and Hospice of the Red River Valley. She was, as always, patient and trusting, developing such a special relationship with all who touched her life.

There will be a memorial service and interment ceremony of ashes for both Gerry and Harriet in the Twin Cities at a future date to honor their lives, so well-lived, shared, and loved.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Fargo Great Plains Food Bank, Hospice of the Red River Valley, or Bethlehem Lutheran Church Foundation. We truly appreciate your prayers and support as we celebrate Harriet's amazing life. As we grieve, we also rejoice in her new life with Christ. Her favorite verse guided and defined the way she lived each and every day:

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Arrangements entrusted to Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home - Fargo, ND