October 21, 1917 - September 23, 2018

Harriet Littlewood of Downey met with her Lord one month shy of her 101st birthday on September 23, 2018. She passed peacefully at her home of 60 years surrounded by family.

Born October 21, 1917, Harriet was raised in Roscoe, Illinois along with eight siblings, seven whom grew into adulthood. She was born into humble beginnings that she fondly remembered as an idyllic time of life and often reminisced about sweeter less-complicated times. Harriet married Raymond Littlewood in 1938 at 21 years old and traveled with him to California three times before settling in Downey in 1953. She gave birth to identical triplet sons, a daughter, and then identical twin daughters.

She lived her life with a strong belief and love for Jesus and very much wanted everyone she met to share that zest and conviction. Harriet had an amazing gift of memory. She kept in touch with her large extended family and dear friends on every occasion. Harriet told stories of her life with vivid detail as if she were there in the moment. She never stopped learning while pursuing myriad ways to express her artistic talents.

Harriet had a pure childlike heart, and although sometimes ornery, did her best to be helpful wherever and however she could. Harriet worked hard throughout her life to provide for her family by selling Avon, Sarah Coventry, Amway, and by taking odd jobs such as a lunch yard-duty at Rio Hondo Elementary School and as nighttime baby-sitter at Del Rio Lanes bowling alley. She loved working with kids. Harriet volunteered at her local polling venue for over twenty years. But the job she loved most was actual yard work. Attributing her love of all things green from working alongside her father and siblings in his garden.

Living a 100 plus life means that she has lived through many major U.S and world events. Three of her siblings served in WW2, each serving in different branches. As a 10-year-old her family gathered around the radio and heard an announcement that Lindbergh would be flying his plane, The Spirit of St. Louis, from St. Louis, Missouri to over Forest Park, Illinois. They heard the engine and ran outside in time to record the historic moment on film. Life was often tough, the money tight, but even at that, there were many adventures and Harriet’s faith never wavered. Harriet will be remembered by many for her tenacity and often-used phrase, “Life is interesting.”

Harriet went on to join her parents, siblings, husband, triplet sons, and twin daughter Wendy. She leaves behind two daughters Carol and Nita, three grandchildren, and three great grandchildren, extended family, and wonderful neighbors and friends.

We who believe as she, have no doubts that she was ushered into God’s light and love with the greeting, “Welcome dear and faithful servant.”

No services are scheduled at this time. For those whom wish to honor Harriet in some way, a donation to her favorite charity on her behalf would be a great way to do so. At their website www.seecenter.org a 501 (3) 5 non-profit organization or by mail.

The S.E.E. Center for the Advancement of Deaf Children

10443 Los Alamitos Blvd.

Los Alamitos, CA 90720