Harriet Louise Slamp, Grand Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 24, 2023. She was 86 years of age. She had been battling rapid dementia decline after contracting COVID-19 in August 2022.

Harriet was born on March 12, 1936, to Naomi Ruth and John Walter Learn of Bartonsville, PA. She was the youngest of four, preceded in death by her siblings Jacob, Eleanor, and Elmer. She was also preceded in death by her husband, John E. Slamp. She is survived by her three children, Kenneth (Sabine), Benjamin (Tammy), and Carolyn, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Harriet grew up on a large poultry farm in the Poconos. God sowed the seeds of music in her at an incredibly early age, even accompanying her music teacher during classes in her high school years. Her love of music led her to play the piano and organ at the Lutheran Church in her hometown during her late youth and young adulthood.

While obtaining her degree in teaching with a music major from Penn State University, her love of music only grew. As a Nittany Lion fan, she met and married John Slamp while attending PSU in State College, PA. She sang with the Glee Club and had the privilege of performing once with Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanian's.

Harriet moved to upstate NY after graduation and began teaching in grammar schools. She started a family and spent some years as a Boy Scouts den mother. She loved rustic camping and trips with cultural and historical learning opportunities with her family and grandchildren. Harriet wanted to share her passions and gifts with everyone.

She dedicated much of her life to the music ministry as organist and choir director of the First United Methodist Church while living in Homer, NY, and St. Paul's Methodist Church of Grand Rapids after moving to Michigan in 2005. She spread God's love through her passion for music and people.

Little-known fun facts about Harriet are that she could play any piece of piano music put in front of her, including very difficult classical pieces she may have never heard, yet she could not play anything by ear or memory. She was also a High School cheerleader where she acquired the nickname "Legs".

Harriet worked for many years and eventually retired from the business offices of Cortland Memorial Hospital in Cortland, NY. She loved to entertain, play cards, do puzzles, read maps, bowl in leagues, drive while "ramming" or on long road trips, and go to the symphony. She also loved to watch college football and basketball, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy.

There is no plan for a memorial or service to be held at this time. Harriet's family will honor her wishes by returning her remains to where her heart called home in upstate New York. Harriet's love and kindness will be remembered by many, and her legacy of spreading joy through music will live on forever.