Harriet Ann Charlesworth

Harriet Ann (Devorak) Charlesworth passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 28, 2012 in Valley Memorial Homes Eldercare Center. Harriet Ann Devorak was born July 23, 1925 on a small farm in Lankin, ND to Tom and Mabel (Anderson) Devorak. She was the valedictorian and graduated magna cum laude from Climax High School. She graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. Upon graduating from UND, Harriet moved to Chicago and decided to pursue a musical career. She met William R. Charlesworth and they were married on August 11, 1948. After spending time in the Air Force, she and Bill moved back home, to Grand Forks. Harriet was an important part of the musical community. She was the first woman to hold the office of president of the Grand Forks Community Music Association. She was a past president of the Thursday Music Club and a member of Sigma Alpha Iota National Music Association. She was awarded the title of The 1964 Woman of the Year in Grand Forks for her contributions in the field of music. In college, Harriet was a member of the Delta Gamma Social Sorority. She was Vice-President of the Deaconess Hospital Auxiliary, Past President of Chapter AF of the PEO sisterhood, Charter Secretary of the Viking Elementary School Parents and Teachers Association, and a Brownie Leader. Harriet was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister, Elaine Botsford. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Bill Charlesworth; son, Jim (Robbyn) Charlesworth, Atlanta, GA; daughter, Kris (Dennis) Cook, Grand Forks, ND; and 3 grandsons, Cameron, Bismarck, ND; Chad (Christine), Grand Forks, ND; Andy, Grand Forks, ND; great-grandchildren, Landon and Chloe; two nephews, James (Krista) Botsford, Wausau, WI; and John (Dawn) Botsford, Grand Forks, ND; and grand-nephews , Tenzin and Tom; and a grand-niece, Katelyn. As per her request, there will be no funeral. Amundson Funeral Home will be handling any appropriate arrangements. Her final burial will be in the North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery in Mandan, ND. If you wish to contribute a memorial, the family requests that you send it to either the Altru Cancer Center or Altru Hospice.