Harriet Skora

Harriet Louise Witthoft was born Feb 11, 1932 to Hattie & George in Chicago Illinois. As child she dreamed of being a dancer and remembers seeing Leonard Skora (her future husband) when she was five years old. They grew up on the same block.

During WWII she recalls going with her mother to a community center. Together they shared the task of changing blue stars for gold stars. FDR was on the radio talking about winning the war and that everyone had to help. The school children went door to door, collecting metal and rubber goods for recycling.

In grade school she wanted to be a crossing guard, but she was told only boys were chosen for this duty. Harriet felt the social pressure to conform. Girls were encouraged to be a teacher, stewardess, nurse or secretary. She objected to this but felt compelled to follow in her mother’s footsteps and be a nurse.

She attributes her sense of empathy to her grandmother, Momma Lou. Momma Lou had ten children, and raised two more girls. One a niece and the other her stepdaughter

Harriet didn’t really know Leonard when she was young, but felt the mothers, Carrie and Hattie, conspired to start their romance. They married Feb 28, 1953, and honeymooned in Mammoth Caves National Park in Kentucky. 

One of her first assignments as a nurse was at Shriners hospital. The boys ward. She said to herself, “I don’t know anything about boys.” Harriet had no brothers and was not close to her uncles or male cousins. 

About 10 years ago, Harriet encouraged us to establish “Uncle Day.” Uncle day is gathering of the uncles with the purpose of treating a niece or nephew to a special day. We completed a few uncle days, but the tradition stalled due to covid.

Leonard & Harriet wanted a girl. The girl finally came with their fifth child. Four hits and a miss Leonard would say. Together they raised 5 children, Dave, Mike, Dan, Matt and Dianne. We were all her favorite. Harriet celebrated, 10 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.

Harriet earned her Batchelor’s Degree in 1976 from Redlands University.  She was a member of the NSDAR Serrano Chapter.

My favorite story of Leonard courting Harriet was: Leonard happened to be visiting Harriet and there was a knock on the door. Raymond (a rival for Harriet) came by with flowers to see Harriet, but Leonard answered the door. Raymond was stunned, but managed to say. “these are for Harriet.” Leonard took the flowers and said, “I’ll see that she gets them.” Then he closed the door. 

Harriet and Leonard taught us values, work ethic and faith in God. Before Leonard passed, he spoke of waiting for Harriet in Heaven at the eastern gate. I’m sure he was there as promised and now their journey is complete.

We love you mom. RIP Harriet. Aug 30, 2024