Harriett Cope Bebout
March 30, 1940 - March 17, 2012
Obituary
Harriett Cope Bebout, age 71, passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2012, surrounded by loved ones after a brief battle with cancer. Harriett was born March 30, 1940 to Marion Cope Bebout and John Calvin Bebout in Cleveland, Ohio. Her favorite weekend activity as a child was to visit her grandmother and family in Salem, Ohio. Harriett was a scholar; she graduated from Duke and Tulane Universities and received her Ph.D. at the UW-Madison in 1985. She worked as an associate professor of mathematics education at the University of Cincinnati for 20 years. As a strong believer in equality of opportunity, she dedicated her professional life to improving education in urban schools. Above all else, she was a mother and loved her family most of all. Upon retirement, she returned to Wisconsin to be closer to her children, grandchildren and friends. Harriett is survived by her children, Joseph Frederick Sackett, Jr., Samson Occom Sackett, Penelope (Polly) Cora Sackett Westmont; and her six grandchildren, Joseph, Katie, Zoe, Jonas, Ben and Petra. There will be two celebrations of Harriett's life: one at the Stoughton Country Club for her Wisconsin area family and friends at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2012, and another for her Ohio area family and friends at the New Waterford Cemetery Chapel, in New Waterford, Ohio at Noon on Saturday, April 7, 2012, with a reception to follow in Pepper Pike, Ohio. Harriett asked that memorial contributions be made to the Dane County Humane Society in her name.
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Memories
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Gayle Duncan
Other •
I am beyond sad. Harriett, myself, and 2 other Clevelanders were "best buds" through most of our school days. Later in life we took mini vacations together, pictures from which I will bring with me to New Waterford. Even after she moved to Wisconsin, Harriett and I kept in touch several times a year. I wish she had told me she was ill so I could see her one more time. I will miss her dearly. Gayle Duncan
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Joseph Sackett
Other •
I had the incredible fortune to be her son and to learn from her all my life. She consistently modeled class, consideration of others, selflessness, strength and grit. Thanks mom for this and everything you gave me.
Love,
- Joe
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Chris Kruger
Other •
I've worked in the math education area at UW-Madison for 33+ years and knew your mother well when she was here. If you remember that far back, I stayed at your house in Oregon with you when she had to go away for a few days. I remember her great sense of humor and her laugh. I wish I had been able to see her again.
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Mary Louise Gomez
Other •
Harriett and I were good friends in graduate school and enjoyed many smiles and shared confidences.
I was impressed by how she always was able to negotiate her family responsibilities, doctoral studies, and friendships. She always placed her children and what they needed first. However, she generously gave her time and attention to her friends and for that, I always will be grateful. We were Delta Delta Delta sorority sisters at different universities and in different years, but this is a precious memory. I hold Harriett in a special place in my heart. I trust that God will keep her in a special place.
LC
Linda Amspaugh Corson
Other •
I'm so sorry to hear about Harriet's passing. I was the chair of the search committee that hired her and so have known her for many years. She and I were on many of the same committees and often celebrated our birthdays together. She made vital contributions to our programs and the college. She will be missed by all who knew her.
AY
Amuna Yisrael
Other •
When Harriett retired a few years ago, an immediate void filled the Division of Teacher Education where she was a faculty member. She was always a fair person. She shared books, CD's, etc., with me and I appreciated everything that she stood for. She will truly be missed.