In addition to being an extraordinarily loving and dedicated wife, mother, daughter and friend, Harriet Eastman was a tireless and selfless volunteer, leader and organizer for myriad volunteer associations, civic projects and fundraisers. She was always looking to help and advocate for the “underdog”. Harriet was the perfect model for the “Golden Age” of volunteerism, a time when people proudly listed their occupation as “Volunteer”. It is interesting to note that instances of Harriet’s earliest involvement in civic associations was in auxiliary organizations for men-only clubs that did not at the time admit women. In the early days of her civic involvement, married women were not listed in the newspapers by their names, but typically with “Mrs.” followed by the husband’s name.
Harriet’s civic engagement became limited as she became a full-time caregiver for her husband Wes. Although Wes suffered debilitating illness for over 28 years, due to Harriet’s loving care, he never left his home for even a day for a nursing home or assisted care facility.
Harriet Ridings Eastman was born in Lawrence, MA on March 5, 1922. Her parents were Robert W. Ridings and Florence (Conley) Ridings (1885 – 1966). Florence “Flo”, her mother Harriet (Hunt) Conley and her siblings were originally from 36 Ridgway St. in Manchester, England. They emigrated to the United States on the passenger ship SS Kansas than departed from Liverpool, England, arriving in Boston on June 3, 1887. Florence was almost two years old at the time of arrival. The family first settled in Lawrence, MA and later on to nearby Methuen, MA. Flo’s brothers, Harriet’s uncles, upon adulthood found employment at the Arlington Mills in Lawrence, MA.
Harriet graduated from Edward F. Searles High School in Methuen, MA. Her classmates included famed Boston television weatherman Don Kent and Tuskegee Airman Luther McIlwain. While at Searles, Harriet was a popular student and contributing member of the Glee Club and Girls Basketball Team.
Harriet and her family spent many enjoyable summers renting a cottage at Hampton Beach, NH. In 1937, she was selected as Miss Hampton Beach.
During the summer seasons during WWII (1941-1945), Harriet worked part-time in the dining room at the Ashworth Hotel in Hampton Beach.
Upon graduation from high school, Harriet began a career as an assistant buyer and model at the Cherry and Webb Department Store in Lawrence, MA.
Before she was married, she lived a very active social life.
On June 9, 1946, Harriet married Weston D. Eastman at Grace Episcopal Church in Lawrence.
On February 22, 1948, Harriet and Wes’s only child, Weston D. Eastman, Jr. (W. Dean) was born at Lawrence General Hospital.
Harriet was a wonderfully loving and fun mother and wife. She was a cub scout den mother, Shawsheen School P.T.A. member and was on the Andover Little League Auxiliary Dance Committee.
Harriet was actively involved in a number of civic activities. Harriet’s lifelong best friend, Vida Marjerison, was alongside her in many of these endeavors. Harriet was President of the Lawrence Rotary Anns, President of the Lawrence Y’s Menettes, Charter Member and President of Beta Sigma Phi (an international and non-sectarian organization devoted to social, cultural and civic betterment), a 50-year member of the Shawsheen Woman’s Club, chairing a number of their fundraisers and charity events.
Harriet enthusiastically volunteered for a number of fashion shows for various charities and volunteer associations. Throughout her life, she modeled hats, both as an employee of Cherry & Webb in her early years and later in dozens of charity events. She was even recognized for her Easter Bonnet by the Atlantic City Boardwalk Easter Parade Committee.
For many years, Harriet, along with Vida Marjerison, were co-chairpersons of the Merrimack Valley Heart Fund Ball, and many other fundraising events benefiting the Heart Fund and the American Cancer Society. Harriet and Vida were also volunteer workers and organizers for fundraising events for the Lawrence General Hospital.
Harriet was also a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star of the Lawrence Masonic Temple, as well as the Greater Lawrence Board of Realtors.
She led an extremely active family and social life. She enjoyed family trips to Atlantic City, Washington, D.C., and Montreal. She and her family spent many wonderful summers at York Beach, ME. Before her husband Wes’s illness, they went on a couple of luxury cruises in the South Pacific and Caribbean, and on tours of Europe.
Harriet was an avid bowler and cyclist. Grilling was always an important part of the Eastman family life. Tailgate parties at Brown University were an annual ritual. She was always the life of the party and was always a wonderful hostess.
Harriet was a devout Red Sox fan, never missing a game on radio or TV. She has the Red Sox logo etched into her gravestone beside her name.
In 68 years, she was said to have never missed a Friday lunch and shopping outing with her best friend Vida Marjerison.