Harriet Harriet Conant Dearden

Harriet Conant Dearden, aged 100, died at Manchester Center, Vermont, Sunday, November 4th. Born April 9th, 1918 in Amsterdam, New York, she was the daughter of Dr. James Bronson Conant and Mary Jane Fritsch. She married Albert B. Dearden (deceased) on February 9th, 1946 in Oxford, Ohio. A gifted musician, Harriet began piano lessons at the age of 7 and organ in high school. She continued her study of pipe organ at Vassar College (Bachelor of Arts), at Eastman School of Music (Music Education), and at the Juilliard School (Masters). During the WWII years she taught public school music in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey and then accepted a post at the Western College for Women, Oxford, Ohio. She became active as a concert organist and accompanist. A 40 year resident of Ridgewood, New Jersey, Harriet served 30 years as organist at First Presbyterian Church. She was actively involved as a recitalist and accompanist in concerts, benefits such as the Ridgewood Bachathon, school music programs and interfaith music festivals. Retiring in 2003 Harriet moved to the upstate New York/ Vermont area, continuing as organist in recitals and houses of worship. Harriet is remembered lovingly by her children and grandchildren for her generous gifts, her love of life and the outdoors, golf, canoeing, and travel. Her dedication to the arts and standard of musicianship are what her children and grandchildren all aspire to. She is survived by a son, Albert C. Dearden, his wife Jo Ann, and daughters Alice L. Avouris, her husband Phaedon, Harriet D. Welther and her husband Michael and Jeannette D. Storch and her husband Larry, as well as 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. A memorial service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, donations in Harriet's memory may be made to The American Guild of Organists, www.agohq.org/contribute. No services at this time. A memorial service is being planned.