Harriet Irene Hatch

Harriet Irene Hatch was born September 16, 1929, in Havre, Montana and passed peacefully on December 9, 2024, in Bellingham, Washington. Her beloved husband, Gene, was by her side.

Harriet was the daughter of Severt Theodore and Lillian Irene Dallum. She grew up in Havre and Chinook, Montana, and Seattle, Washington. She graduated from Garfield High School in Seattle. 

While at Garfield, she met her future husband, Gene. They were brought together through their love of music. Gene was a trumpet player and part of a band. Harriet was not only beautiful, but she also had an incredible voice. She loved to sing. Gene first saw Harriet in the school auditorium singing with two other girls. This was a new girl he had never seen before. Her beautiful voice and smile caught his eye. He said her smile lit up the room. Harriet was asked to join his band, which she did. Gene said after their first date, he knew Harriet was the one and he never dated anyone else again. They were married on December 31, 1948 in the Phinney Ridge Lutheran church in Seattle. How wonderful and unusual it is to have each other for so long – almost 76 years of marriage.

A few years after they were married and had moved to Bellingham, Harriet joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Harriet and Gene were a big part of the community in Whatcom County. They were known for their great dance band, performing most every Saturday night at places like the Forest Grove Ballroom, Bellingham Yacht Club, Holiday Ballroom, and church functions. People loved listening to their band and dancing to their music. It was wonderful they were so connected to our community and continued to use their talents for so long.

The happy years ahead were full of raising their kids, working, growing, serving others, and creating life-long friendships. The things closest to Harriet’s heart were her family and her faith. Within the church Harriet and Gene supported each other in many callings as they served over the years. The Lord’s hand could be seen clearly throughout their lives. Their influence was far-reaching, and they were greatly loved and respected by so many. Harriet left a beautiful legacy for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her influence will be felt for generations to come.

She radiated goodness and pure light to all she met. She was always serving others. You could always find Harriet with a big smile and her arm around somebody. Everyone she met felt important and loved. 

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Betty Hay, Anna Mae O’Brien, and Lila Dean, and her grandson, Gary Eugene Hatch, Jr. She is survived by her husband, Eugene Clifford Hatch, sister, Sharon Wooden and her children Gary (Lori), Greg (Dawn), and Carolyn Haas (Eric), and 46 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

We are grateful to all the wonderful staff and caregivers from Orchard Park Assisted Living and to Whatcom Hospice that gave such loving and tender care. Any donations can be made to PeaceHealth Whatcom Hospice.

We love you, we will miss you, and we look forward to being together again.

A funeral will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 11:00am in the LDS Chapel, 2925 James St. Bellingham, WA, followed by a graveside service at Greenacres Memorial Park, 5700 Northwest Dr. Ferndale, WA.

You can view the funeral via livestream here.