In memory of Harriet Calhoun Wrenn, a champion of community service and education.
The university community in Tampa, Florida, mourns the loss of Harriet Calhoun Wrenn, a dedicated educator and compassionate leader, who passed away at the age of 93. Known for her lifelong commitment to education and community service, Harriet’s remarkable life story inspires future generations. Her family, friends, and colleagues remember her as a beacon of empathy and dedication to bettering the world, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends her years.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the life story of Harriet Calhoun Wrenn, who sadly passed away on June 12, 2023, at the age of 93, while at the Airline Terminal in Tampa, Florida. Harriet’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven from threads of service, empathy, and an enduring commitment to bettering the world around her.
Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Harriet was the beloved daughter of Professor Robert Lowry Calhoun and Dr. Ella Wakeman Calhoun. Growing up in a family that dedicated their lives to caregiving set the tone for her own life. Her childhood on a small farm, alongside three older brothers and two foster sisters sent from England for safety during World War II, contributed to building her strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.
As a child, Harriet formed a special bond with the animals she cared for, most notably a cherished pig she affectionately named Rochester. From her early years, she showed a remarkable level of conscientiousness, grace, and imaginative thinking, traits that undoubtedly shaped her future endeavors. An avid reader, she loved to read to her children every night, transporting them into realms filled with elves, fairies, and wondrous adventures that sparked their imagination.
Throughout her life, Harriet was an articulate and resourceful teacher, always on a mission to address children’s educational gaps. During her time living and working in Asia, she made an immense impact on the lives of many children. Educational commitments continued once back home, as she tirelessly worked on projects like developing the Alumni Records system for the Gordon School Library in Providence. She was also active in local schools, further highlighting her dedication to education.
Harriet’s academic path was promising as she graduated from Wellesley College in 1952, where she earned a place in the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa. Her thirst for knowledge led her to receive a fellowship for post-graduate studies in Denmark, where she lived with a warm Danish family and explored the thoughts of the philosopher Kierkegaard. A few years later, she married and started her own family, eventually learning Chinese while living in Asia. Remarkably, she tackled new challenges by learning how to drive at the age of 55, embodying the spirit of lifelong learning.
Before settling in Providence, Harriet contributed to important work at Yale Medical School’s Laboratories under Dr. Elemer Gabrieli. Once established in Providence, she continued to plant roots in community service. She was instrumental in preserving green spaces and served as a founding member and Treasurer of the Friends of Blackstone Park. Her involvement extended to organizations like Central Congregational Church, the League of Women Voters, and the Blackstone Park Improvement Association. Harriet happily devoted many years as a poll worker during local and national elections, reinforcing her belief in civic responsibility.
Harriet is survived by her devoted husband, James J. Wrenn III, along with her brother, Edward T.D. Calhoun, and their four children: Annemarie, James IV, Michael, and Christopher. She was also blessed with five grandchildren and one great-grandchild, who will carry her legacy of compassion and empathy forward.
As we celebrate the remarkable life of Harriet Calhoun Wrenn, let us not forget her extraordinary ability to listen and empathize with those around her. A private burial will take place in the family cemetery in Bethany, Connecticut, where she will rest surrounded by the love and memories of her family. Harriet’s profound impact on all of us will surely linger on, a testament to a life well-lived.
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