Born on December 12, 1942, in Hartford Connecticut, Harleen May Putnam passed away on September 27, 2024, in Apple Valley, California. She is survived by her daughter Sharilyn Brook Putnam.

 Harleen experienced a tumultuous childhood, and she had to grow up fast. As a teenager she met Hubert Putnam, and decided that she was going to marry him.

In 1961, at the age of 19, she married Hubertand together they moved to New Mexico, where he was stationed in the Air Force. While there she had their first child, Dave. Four years later they welcomed a daughter, Brook. By this time they lived in New England. During those early years of marriage she also worked full time so that Hubert could go to school and earn his degree in Electrical Engineering. 

Harleen started a very successful preschool and was offered a free scholarship to become a teacher, but it was not meant to be.

Harleen’s family moved to Orange County, California and her husband had a good job, so she became a stay-at-home mom, which was probably the best time in her life. She loved being there for her kids when they came home from school.

However, before Dave and Brook were finished with school, Hubert started a business and couldn’t do it alone, so Harleen came to work at his side. They went two years without a day off. Their business was commercial printing, and became quite successful. 

Then in September of 2004, Harleen’s caring, brilliant son succumbed to his overwhelming depression and ended his life. Her grief was beyond description, but she kept moving on with her life. She was a strong woman.

She eventually turned to Real Estate for a few years, then Harleen and her husband left Orange County to start a new life in a desert community called Apple Valley. Brook, who had a debilitating illness, went with them.

At that time Harleen had to work to support her family. Hubert was trying to make money on the stock market, but didn’t made enough to support the family by himself. Finally, both began receiving social security, and lived comfortably for several years.

At the age of 80, on June, 14, 2023 Flag Day, Harleen’s husband, Hubert, took his own life due to a profound depression.

Once again, Harleen had to be strong. Not only had she lost her life’s partner, her income was cut in half, and a simple life became an very difficult one, financially. But true to her ways, made life work, and she eventually found peace in her life with Brook. They eventually found happiness.

However,  in June of the next year Harleen was struck with a massive heart attack. And before she could experience any significant healing, she contracted Covid. Her lungs filled with fluid quickly, causing a lack of oxygen to her body and brain. She was unable to recover and passed away.

Harleen Putnam was a light in the lives of so many people. From the pre-schoolers she taught in Massachusetts, to friends, employees, and especially her children, Harleen showed compassion to others, and was willing to help whenever she could. May her final journey be beautiful and brilliant.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/harleen-putnam/obituary/

Copy