Obituary of Myrtle Marie Harkness

Myrtle Marie (Sawyer) Harkness, 94, of Jackson Street, Keeseville and formerly of Soper Road, died Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the UVM Health Network, CVPH in Plattsburgh, with her loving family by her side. She was born in AuSable Forks, April 21, 1928, the daughter of Noble and Anna (LaBombard) Sawyer. Myrtle was one of eleven children, all raised in AuSable Forks. Myrtle started working as a camp counselor at North Country School in her teenage years to help support her large family, and later as a waitress at several area restaurants including Valcour Lodge overlooking Lake Champlain where she worked for many years. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and canning, and in her later years, bird-watching and jigsaw puzzles. Left to cherish the memory of Myrtle are, her children, Diane Mason (Bill Giroux) of Peru, Donald Carter of West Chazy, and Alicia (Robert) Lemieux of Keeseville; one sister, Alice Parrish; her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband, Robert Mason; her second husband, Charles Harkness; a son, Robert Mason; and a daughter, Pamela Bashaw. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from 2 to 4 pm at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 124 Clinton Street, Keeseville. A funeral service will follow at 4 pm in the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel. A gathering will follow at the Keeseville VFW Post 1505. Burial will be held at a later date, at the discretion of the family. Donations in her memory may be made to the North Country Association for the Visually Impaired. Myrtle's family would like to offer a sincere "thank you" to the R3 staff at CVPH for their exceptional care and compassion. Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 124 Clinton Street, Keeseville, 834-7667.