J. Harriet Amrhein

J. Harriet Amrhein of Canton, a beloved matriarch, mother of 10 children, died unexpectedly on Sunday, January 18th, after an illness. She was 92.

Harriet was born in Boston on March 3, 1933. She graduated from Brookline High School. Harriet worked as a secretary for John Hancock Insurance before moving to Canton, where she has lived for the past 67 years. Harriet was an only child.

As a child, Harriet lived in prestigious residences, including the Governor’s Mansion, as her mother, Charlotte Pitts (formerly Petitpas), was a private live-in cook for numerous Boston-area blue-bloods, including Massachusetts governor Saltonstall.

She was a gifted painter and poet. A link to her poetry is provided here: https://hubpages.com/literature/A-Collection-of-Poetry-Food-For-Thought-by-J-Harriet-Amrhein   

Harriet had a smile for everyone. She was a devout Catholic who prayed the rosary and traveled to France to see the Incorruptible saints—a role model in faith, courage, generosity, and compassion. Harriet made people feel important and beautiful, that they mattered. Mrs. Amrhein walked everywhere in Canton. She loved puzzles, playing cards or chess, Nantasket Beach, and eating ice cream.

Harriet was preceded in death by her husband Bob, of 52 years (2011), and her son John T. (2016). She outlived all her peers on Cape Cod Lane. She kept walking until just a few weeks ago.

Survived by her son, Robert Amrhein of Wrentham, MA, daughter Mary Amrhein Barnes of Augusta, Maine, daughter Joan Amrhein of Dover, NH, son Walter Amrhein of Wrentham, MA, daughter Louise Amrhein of Canton, MA, son Joseph Amrhein of Chicago, IL, daughter Catherine Amrhein Starr of Cranston, RI, son Bill Amrhein of Easton, MA, and daughter Rosemary Amrhein of Lexington, MA. Her legacy includes many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, 455 Washington St., Canton, on Friday, Jan. 30, from 12-2 pm and 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass at Saint Oscar Romero Parish (formerly St. John the Evangelist) at 700 Washington St, Canton, on Saturday, Jan 31, at 10 am. Interment at Canton Corner Cemetery following the mass. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at Rosetta’s Italian Restaurant, 521 Washington St. Canton, MA 02021, starting at Noon

Arrangements by Dockray and Thomas Funeral Home, Canton. Full listing at https://www.dockrayandthomasfuneralhome.com/listings 

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