WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, Vt. — Harriet DeCelle Austin returned home to her Heavenly Father on Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on Jan. 2, 1942, in Fort Edward, New York, to Harriet Sexton DeCelle and Theodore DeCelle. She came from a large family with many siblings, including Robert DeCelle, William Sexton, Juanita Austin, Theodore DeCelle, Paul DeCelle, Richard DeCelle, Rita Ferland, Florence Angelo, Bonnie Durgin, Linda Bullis and Francine Wilkerson. In 1960, she married Andrew Austin and they had five children, Andrea (Gregory) Sharp, Francis (Teresa) Austin, Colleen (Robert) Haehnel, Katrina and Juanita (Eric) Johnson. Harriet was the proud “Grammy” to 18 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. In 1988, she married Donald Melcher. They were married for 12 years. She was preceded in death by her daughter Katrina; son-in-law Gregory; and siblings, Robert, William, Juanita, Theodore, Rita and Bonnie. What a joyous reunion they must be having! Harriet worked many years at Sturm Ruger until deciding to continue her education in nursing. She enjoyed serving the elderly patients in her care in New London and Hanover. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions in her church community for over 57 years. She loved spending time with her family, visiting with friends, crocheting and traveling. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Jan. 3, 2020, from 6-8 p.m. at the Roy Funeral Home, 93 Sullivan St., Claremont, New Hampshire. The funeral is on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, at 10 a.m. located at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Route 5, Ascutney. Interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Newport, New Hampshire. You are invited to share a memory of Harriet with the family or leave a message of condolence in the family guest book at www.royfuneralhome.com.
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