Harriet Jane Gregory's Obituary
Harriet Jane MacGregor Gregory, age 93 of La Mesa, California, passed away peacefully at her home, Friday, August 5, 2016.Harriet was born August 26, 1922, in San Diego, California. Her parents were Daniel Robert and Emily A. Camp MacGregor. She had one brother, Daniel R. MacGregor, Jr. Harriet married Keith Gregory, August 5, 1951 at The Little Chapel of the Roses, Bonita, California.She grew up on G Street near 26th and attended Brooklyn Grade School at 30th and Ash from 1927-1934. Harriet started Sunday School at age 5, First United Presbyterian Church at 22nd and Market Street.Harriet graduated from San Diego High School in June 1940. The ceremonies were held at the Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park. She was active in the Girls Drill Team – The Soldierettes.In 1941 Harriet joined the Market Street United Presbyterian Church.After graduation from high school, Harriet took vocational training at the Speckles Building on Broadway in preparation for jobs that would allow her to save money for college.In 1941, Harriet began her professional working career as a long distance telephone operator for AT&T. She quickly moved in to the position of Inspector/Supervisor at the central office in downtown San Diego. She was also part of the District Office Staff at AT&T as needed, during the war years. Harriet retired from PacTel after 37 years in August 1978.Harriet joined Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in August 1947. She pledged Delta Chi Master in October 1947 and remained an active member for 69 years until her passing. She received numerous degrees including The Torchbearer Degree in June 2014. She received the Founders Award from B.S.P. International in 2012. She served most recently as parliamentarian for her chapter.The longest on going friendship was with Edna Horman of Encinitas, California. Harriet and Edna joined B.S.P. Sorority together in 1947. Edna was matron of honor at Harriet’s wedding. There were together for the last time in March, celebrating Edna’s 101st birthday.After her marriage to Keith they lived in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego. In 1961, they bought their La Mesa home and furnished it with much love over the years. In 1969, Keith and Harriet bought a cabin in Blue Jay, near Lake Arrowhead, California. The called their mountain home, Journey’s End. It was there that family and friends were always welcome for a relaxing vacation or a weekend retreat.Harriet and Keith traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Hawaii, as well as Canada and Mexico. They enjoyed playing golf, cards and bowling together until Keith’s passing ten years ago in 2006. They had just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary earlier that year. Harriet remained an avid sports fan through the years, forever cheering on her favorite baseball team, the Padres.Harriet was a charter member of Grossmont Center Mall Walkers. For thirty years, starting in 1986, Harriet walked and stretched with the best of them, and enjoyed every minute of it!On April 24, 1988 Harriet was among twelve “Pioneer” members of the church, who were honored during the Centennial Celebration at Palisades Presbyterian Church, Allied Gardens. Her membership in the Presbyterian Church spanned 75 years. Harriet was active at Palisades by teaching Sunday School for many years. She participated in Circle 5 Bible Study group, also for many years and attended worship services faithfully.Harriet was a generous and loyal neighbor, volunteering for many activities on Alpine Avenue, including Neighborhood Watch, block parties and of course the best place for Halloween candy each year. She knew nearly every neighbor on her street over the years and would remember them fondly in detailed stories to those of us who could only imagine how wonderful it was to live on Alpine Avenue.Harriet is survived by nephews, nieces and cousins.Daniel A. MacGregor of San Diego, CA Robert Donald ‘Don’ MacGregor (Marilyn) of Ft. Worth, TX Mark A. MacGregor (Morena) of Oceanside, CA Marilyn Kivett of Grand Junction, CO Walter Netzke (Debbie) of Crestline, CA Joyce Whitmarsh (Scott) of Seattle, WA Craig A. Netzke of Orange, CA Cara C. Harmon (Eric) of Oceanside, CAThe MacGregor nephews and nieces are 25 in number. The nephews and nieces by marriage to Keith Gregory are 47 in number.The Cousins Margaret Alexander of Bonita, CA Margie Hobbs of San Clemente, CA Lois Petrowski of Wellington, CT Ruth Tamashaitis of Westfield, MAServices, Saturday, August 27, 2016, 10:30am Greenwood Memorial Park and Mortuary, San Diego. Visitation, one hour before, at 9:30am Reception to follow at noon: San Carlos United Methodist Church 6554 Cowles Mtn. Blvd. San Diego, CA 92119 Graveside Service, Monday, August 29, 2016, 10:00am Greenwood Memorial Park and MortuaryIn lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in Harriet’s name to:Palisades Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund/Harriet Gregory 6301 Birchwood St. San Diego, CA 92120 For the Children, either P.K.&J or the Sunday School Program.ORMCC Philanthropic Fund/Beta Sigma Phi Contact: Laura Dunwoody at email: [email protected] family wishes to thank Dr. Daniel Hagmaier, Senior Pastor and the memorial committee of Palisades Presbyterian Church Sisters of Beta Sigma Phi The Alpine Avenue neighbors“A life well spent, learning and making friendships a life dedicated to her family, her pets, her garden and her faith in God.”
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