Harriet Kishigo Booth

Harriet Kishigo Booth

Harriet, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, auntie and friend, walked on to the spirit world on June 7, 2015, at McLaren Northern Michigan hospital in Petoskey. In the days leading up to her passing she was continually surrounded by family and friends.

Born on September 28, 1934 in Harbor Springs, MI, to Joseph and Elizabeth (Keway) Kishigo, Harriet grew up and attended schools in the town of her birth. She went on to study at the University of Michigan then transferred to Eastern Michigan University, from which she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education.

On June 2, 1956 Harriet married Jacob Frederick Booth at Holy Childhood Catholic Church in Harbor Springs. After completing her degree she taught school in Ypsilanti. In 1964, after Jake received his degree, they headed to Alaska to teach in Seldovia, and promptly fell in love with this beautiful frontier state.  They later taught in Klawock, on Elmendorf AFB, and in Anchorage.

A vivacious woman, Harriet sewed expertly, fished enthusiastically, picked berries zestfully and heartily enjoyed spending summers in Seldovia. She served faithfully in the Anchorage Education Association and the NEA/AK. Active in the American Association of University Women, she served a term as Alaska state president. She and Jake were members of the Anchorage Concert Association and loved fine music. They also enjoyed gourmet cooking, downhill skiing, and travelling.

After retiring from teaching, Harriet moved back to Michigan and became active in the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, even testifying before Congress when the Tribe was seeking federal recognition. She sang with a women’s drum and song group, served on an education commission, and studied the Odawa language. Her seamstress skills were put to work making regalia for family and friends. Attending the Elders’ luncheons became a favorite activity.

Survivors include her children Sadi Synn, Elizabeth Saperstein (Daniel), Paul “Bo” Booth (Sherry), Patricia Booth, Ellie Payton and Hester Gooding (Carl); and her sister Veronica Medicine. Her grandchildren are Jennifer Saperstein (Patrick), William Booth, Bethany Saperstein, Alicia Nowell, Daniel Brunelle, Jade Booth, Claus Nowell, Amber Nowell, Yarrow Nowell, Anna Gooding and Jacqui Gooding.

 Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brothers Joseph E Kishego and Alexander Kishigo, and sisters Victoria Reyes and Elizabeth Gasco.

A celebration of her life will be held at Stone Funeral Home in Petoskey on Aug 2, 2015 at 12:00 noon. The Rev. Dr. Daniel Saperstein and Frank Ettawageshik, Former Chairman of the LTBBOI, will share in leading the service. A feast will follow at the LTBB Government Center in Harbor Springs.

Memorial contributions may be made to a cancer society or Parkinson’s disease foundation of your choice.

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