Harriet Porter Secrest

1925-2022

Harriet Porter Secrest passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 18, 2022.

Harriet was born to Mary Eleanor Smith and Sidney Clark Porter Sr. in Newell, West Virginia on May 9, 1925. She grew up across the Ohio River in East Liverpool, Ohio, a small town where her family’s business, Globe Brick Company, was one of the dominant employers.

Harriet attended Laurel School in Cleveland as a boarding student in high school and went on to graduate from Smith College in 1947.

Harriet worked through her 20s, mainly in human resources at a hospital in Ann Arbor. It was at a church ice cream social that she met the handsome young man of her dreams, John Cary Secrest. They married and lived in the Detroit area, where John rose to Group Vice President in charge of Finance and International at American Motors. Harriet joined John on many special trips all over the world, where they were hosted by high-ranking business and political figures.

In addition to raising three active children and supporting them in their many activities, Harriet was always involved in taking leadership roles, both official and unofficial. She was the president of the PTA, a girl scout leader, and she and John were co-chairs of the Meadow Brook Music Festival. However, Harriet may be remembered even more so by her unofficial roles she served for so many. She stepped in with help and guidance for relatives and others when they most needed it. Almost everyone who knew her had stories of her being ahead of her time in the promotion of preventative health care, particularly healthy eating. It was her love, giving of herself to help others close to her, and her sheer gumption that will be her true legacy.

After John’s retirement, Harriet and John split their time between Bloomfield Hills, MI and Quail Ridge in Boynton Beach, FL. John was active through many of his later years despite a 25 year battle with Parkinson’s, and Harriet devoted herself to taking loving care of him as he eventually declined and succumbed to the disease at age 80. Harriet continued to be active in tennis and golf into her late 80s.

Harriet lived a long, fulfilling life and will be remembered by so many for her vibrant personality, storytelling, sage advice, and stepping in to help friends and family when needed. She is survived by her three children, Paul (spouse Lisa), Jeff (spouse Barbara) and Carol (spouse Andy), along with five grandchildren, Kate, Stephan, Kelly, John and Jennifer.

Harriet was laid to rest in April next to John in Birmingham, MI.

Donations: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association

at: http://act.alz.org/goto/Harri…

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