Harriet Pratt Peterson

BRADFORD-Harriet Pratt Peterson passed away September 18, 2025. Harriet was born 9/9/29 in Bradford, Vermont and recently celebrated her 96th birthday with family at home, enjoying them and her friends up until her last few days. Her passion in life was family and friends. We will miss her as long as we live. Her parents were Margaret Jenkins Pratt and George Pratt of Bradford. She grew up on their farm, which raised strawberries and operated a dairy on the Connecticut River. She is survived by her sister, Pam Elkowitz, of Florida. Her three brothers, George Pratt, Jarvis Pratt and Justin Pratt are deceased. Harriet graduated from the University of Vermont and was married and enjoyed her life as a wife and homemaker in La Crosse, Wisconsin. In 1974, Harriet married her second husband, Boyd Willett after his wife had died, they built a truly remarkable life in Denver. She was Boyd’s partner for 27 years, travelled the world with him on business and became the solid center of the family with Boyd’s two children Ryan Willet and Louise Curtis (Chuck). Louise’s sons Will and Robert Curtis were young enough at the time that they had known Harriet as their grandmother. Boyd Willett died in 2002. Harriet felt the world had ended but her resilient and courageous nature would carry her on to another marvelous marriage. Harriet met Donald C. Peterson whose wife Bette had passed away two years earlier. They found renewed love and married in 2003. As with the Willet family, Harriet became part of the Peterson family. As Don’s wife for 15 happy years, she enjoyed traveling and spending time in Denver and Indian Wells CA. The family all cherished and enjoyed her intelligence, humor, wit and drive. Surviving Harriet are Don’s two children Donald Peterson Jr. and Bruce Peterson. Boyd’s children Ryan Willett and Louise Curtis; grandchildren Will Curtis and Robert Curtis; and many nieces and nephews of the Pratt family. Harriet had deep connections with her Vermont family and the Willett and Peterson families and will always be remembered and cherished. Harriet made many friends and helped community causes in Denver and Vermont, including the Denver Public Library, Denver Art Museum, St. John’s Cathedral and ARCS organizations. She was instrumental in helping build and grow the Margaret Pratt Community, an assisted living facility in Bradford, Vermont. She set up a substantial scholarship program for women at the University of Vermont to honor her mother, Margaret, while also supporting the ski team and the horticultural program at the school. Her passion for skiing began at a young age in Vermont (she met Boyd on a ski lift at Aspen). She enjoyed (and was wonderful at) cooking and entertaining family and friends, everyone was welcome at her table. Harriet was well known for her excellent needlepoint, with over a hundred friends and family cherishing their individualized Christmas stockings. She played bridge with friends regularly (she met Don at a bridge game) and liked a good game of golf, excelling at putting. Harriet always gave everything her best and seemed never to slow down. Services will be at 1pm on November 16th, at the Congregational Church, 145 Main Street Bradford, VT with a memorial gathering to follow at the Lake Morey Inn. The family expresses thanks to all the caregivers and for the help she received from family and friends. In lieu of flowers a donation may be sent to the Margaret Pratt Community, 210 Plateau Acres Bradford, VT 05033. Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home in Bradford. Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.halefuneralhomes.com

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Harriet Pratt Peterson

September 9, 1929 - September 18, 2025