was born in Laramie, Wyoming on Dec. 22, 1922, to James and Dorothy Cornish. James had served as an officer in World War I. He settled in Wyoming on a homestead which was given to soldiers after completing their tour of duty. Dorothy joined James after completing a term as a teacher in Nebraska. They lived in Laramie, having two children there, Harriett and Maynard.

When Harriett was 6-years-old the family of four returned to central Nebraska where they helped James’ parents on their ranch. James and Dorothy built a tworoom house for the family which now included Harriett’s brothers, Harold and Eldon and sometimes Grandma Matz. Everyone would help with the ranch work as it was the time of the Great Depression and the Nebraska drought.

Harriett attended rural schools through the 10th grade. To complete high school, Harriett worked for a family in Callaway to earn room and board. Harriett took classes in high school to be a teacher. She graduated with a teaching certificate at age 16 and had 12 students from

kindergarten through 8th grade in her first class. Some of her students were nearly as old as Harriett. She continues to be in contact with two of her first students.

Harriett taught three terms of school in rural Nebraska. Harriett then moved to Denver to work at Remington Arms during WWII. It was in Denver where Harriett met Gerald Wilson where he was in the Air Force. They were married in Midland, Texas where Jerry was reassigned and then lived in various places until finally settling in Lincoln. They had four children, and were later divorced.

In 1986, Harriett moved to Portland, Oregon to help care for her grandchildren which she so much enjoyed. Harriett also assisted for 27 years at Alameda Grade School and was honored with a Life Achievement Award for her volunteer work there. Two of Harriett’s greatest joys were her Church and her work with children and youth.

Harriett died peacefully in her sleep on March 22, 2023. She leaves to mourn her passing, her children Joyce Vaughn (Bob) of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, James Wilson (Isa) of Beaverton, Oregon, David Wilson (Pat) of Littleton, Colorado and Dorothy Brown (Dave) of Portland, Oregon. Harriett is also survived by nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Step-family members who reside in Nebraska include Joyce Holes and Barbara Erlich and their families.

Services will be held at Fremont United Methodist Church in Portland, Oregon with final interment at the Callaway cemetery next to her parents, James and Dorothy Cornish.