Harriett Francis Wilson Jorgensen, 74, of McCall, died May 12, 2008, at a Weiser care center from complications from Alzheimer's Disease.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Jorgensen Family Home at a later date. Please bring a memory of Harriett to share and your smile. Ray will be cooking the burgers. Heikilla Funeral Home in McCall is in charge of arrangements.

Harriett was born April 28, 1934, the youngest of four daughters in Sheridan, Wyo., to Harriett Francis Gardener and Oliver Brown Wilson. Sisters Barbara, Olive (Jamie) and Sara all preceded her in death.

Harriett graduated from Sheridan High School in Sheridan, Wyo., and attended the University of Wyoming.

Harriett married Raymond Keith Jorgensen Oct. 9, 1952 in Sheridan. They raised three children Mark, Cindy and Toni. The Jorgensens lived in Pinedale, Wyo., Sparks, Nev., Boise and finally settled in McCall in 1980, where they retired.

Harriett loved being a stay-at-home Mom. She was very active in her children's lives acting as Camp Fire Girl advisor, Cub Scout leader and ski coach. She loved to swim and almost every summer morning she could be found with her family at the local beach.

In McCall she started her own business, Flowers Aflair. Harriett was also a water aerobics instructor, cross-country ski instructor and yoga Instructor when yoga wasn't cool.

Harriett enjoyed flowers, skiing, biking, swimming, bridge and generally just being active. She wrote silly poetry for birthdays and would often break into song. Harriett loved Halloween and celebrated the holiday the same way some people celebrate Christmas. She started out with spook houses at her home in Boise. When she moved to McCall she was instrumental in having the best Spook House ever at The Little Ski Hill, which was a fundraiser for many years. She later continued the tradition at her home in McCall.

She was also instrumental in getting the beautiful barrels of flowers planted around the streets of McCall for the Payette Lakes Progressive Club.

Harriett amazed us all as she rode her bike everywhere and one year rode around Payette Lake and the McCall area for a total of over 5,000 miles.

Harriett was well known for her ability to laugh at problems and her cigar-smoking habits at cross-country ski races, where she was often one of the chief timers. Harriett's words of advice continue to make us all smile. When asked what she thought of an event or problem, she usually replied "It will all work out."

Harriett is survived by her husband, Ray Jorgensen of McCall; and her children Mark Jorgensen (Terri) of Centennial, Colo., Cindy Rawlings (Scott) of New Meadows, and Toni Geer (Drew) of Boulder, Colo.

Her grandchildren are Courtney and Tegan Rawlings of Boise, Dara, Moriah, Joanna and Matt Jorgensen of Centennial, Colo., and Wesley and Garrett Geer of Boulder, Colo. and her great-grandchildren of Centennial, Colo.

Memorial donations can be made to the Little Ski Hill.

Thank you to Dr. Burica, Mary at the Caldwell Care Center, Larra and crew at the Weiser Care Center and the McCall Rehabilitation Center.

The Star-News - May 15, 2008