Harriette Lowery "Hat" Shank, a resident of Harrisonburg, passed away on Sunday, March 28, 2010, at Sunnyside Presbyterian Retirement Community at the age of 77. She was born in Harrisonburg on Dec. 4, 1932, to the late T. Harry and Doris Vann Lowery.

Hat graduated from Madison College and was employed with Harrisonburg City Schools, where she taught homebound children and was a substitute teacher for many years. She was a lifetime member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, where she served as president of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church Women and as a member of the Altar Guild.

She was a founding member of the local chapter of the American Association of University Women, was involved with First Step, was a board member of Harrisonburg-Rockingham SPCA, member of Rockingham Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Partners in Prevention and board member of Wayside Theater.  She was a member of the Colonial Garden Club and Spotswood Garden Club.

Harriette will be remembered as a considerate, caring person, who enjoyed the friendship of many people. Her gentle nature and abundant kindness was evident to whomever she met. She enjoyed life immensely and loved intensely.

On Aug. 21, 1954, she married Charles Lewis Shank, who survives. Also surviving are her three daughters, Nancy S. Wayland and husband, Glenn, of Harrisonburg, Mary S. Powers and husband, James, of Alexandria, and Susan K. Shank, of Roanoke; a son, Charles "Chip" Shank II, of Culpeper; one sister, Doris Sipe, of Harrisonburg; and four grandchildren, Brock Wayland, David Wayland, Reece Wayland and Tracy Shank. Harriette was preceded in death by a sister, Gertrude Brock.

A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, April 1, 2010, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Harrisonburg. A reception will be held in the Parish Hall following the service.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the RMH Foundation, c/o Rockingham Memorial Hospital, 235 Cantrell Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 or the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA, P.O. Box 413, Harrisonburg, VA 22803.

Condolences are welcome to be made at www.kygers.com.

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What a lovely lady! We only met Harriet after moving to Sunnyside almost 2 years ago but have wonderful memories of a perfect lady. She always had a smile and a nice thing to say. Our prayers are with her family. Rich and Pat Armstrong 2010-03-29 03:31:37

Charley, Susan, Mary, Chip and Nancy My heart goes out to all of you. Hattie was a lot of fun and full of love for people, animals, beaches, mountains and most of all life. She leaves a wonderful memorey but also a big hole. Lots of love, Vann Vann Lowery Brock 2010-03-29 05:03:25

Sympathy Harriette will be missed by so many but especially those of us who were able to experience her life, love, happiness and graciousness. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you now and the days to follow. God Bless you all always, John and Betsy Mauzy Charley and family 2010-03-29 05:37:58

Charlie, Nancy and Family, Words can't express how sorry I was to hear of your loss of Harriette. She was so much to everyone in the community. While I hadn't seen her in several years, I always asked my parents to tell her hello when they saw her as she had done so much for me growing up through the years. I had so many fun times at your house through the years and those memories will always be in my mind. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, John G. John G. Leake, Jr. 2010-03-30 06:00:42

Mary and family, Our sincere condolences to all of you on the loss of your wonderful mom and wife. Carol and Neil Carol and Neil Doherty 2010-03-30 07:18:34

Charlie and Family, May the memories of Harriette be held close in the hearts of you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. Love, Gina Gina Brock 2010-03-30 07:35:54

Dr. Shank, Nancy and family, I was so sad to hear of Harriette's passing. She was a beautiful, loving, kind and generous person whose beautiful smile and warm laugh will live on forever in our hearts. I fondly recall many good times on Charleston Terrace and her good nature in putting up with lots of teenagers~ We are praying for you all in this difficult time. Love, Amy Amy Wells Mackay and family 2010-03-30 08:28:11

Nancy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Harriette was the sweetest - so beautfiul and kind. I will always remember her as warm and loving with a huge smile on her face. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lorie Lorie Morris O'Neill 2010-03-30 08:29:06

CHARLIE AND FAMILY YOUR LOSS IS GODS' GAIN, HE WILL BE WITH YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE BAKE AND JAN LAYMAN 2010-03-30 09:22:26

So sorry for your loss. What a wonderful family. Barry Lambert 2010-03-30 13:56:20

Remembering her kindness to me... It's been a long time since my son Chad lay in a coma at the UVA Hospital. Hat was so very kind to me with her many visits, gifts and thoughtfulness. I have not kept up, but have remembered her these many years. She certainly went over and beyond and I appreciated it. Pat Churchman 2010-03-30 15:02:31

An angel to everyone she met Dr. Shank, Nancy, Mary and family, My heart is with you all. I am deeply saddened by the loss of Hat. She was like a second mom to me and I am certain to many many others as well. I am very blessed to have been able to be a part of her life and share so many wonderful times with your family. She was truly an angel and I will miss her warm smile, caring kindness and genuine love. Hat's love is a power that is much stronger than death ...and it will always be with us. God bless all of you in this difficult time. Love and prayers, Bill Norcik and Family Bill Norcik and Parents 2010-03-30 17:28:21

Dear Charley, Susan, Mary, Chip & Nancy, I wish I could be there to give each of you a heartfelt hug. I have fond memories of Harriette in the kitchen doing 50 things at one time, while still carrying on a lively conversation. She was simply the best! With love, Lucy Rolston Anonymous 2010-03-31 13:04:06

Dear Dr. Shank & Family: We were truly saddened to read of Mrs. Shank's passing. We know a lady of her faith and demeanor will be in Heaven with the rest of the Saints. She was the most loving and kind lady we have ever met. May God bless all of you by knowing she still lives. Henry and Catherine Buhl Henry & Catherine Buhl 2010-03-31 18:10:06

Nancy and Family Dear Nancy, Our deepest sympathy and many prayers are with you, Glenn and the boys. We were so saddened to hear of your loss. We will miss seeing your mom at the games. Much Love, Aaron, Mia, Jack, and Nate Aaron and Mia Sherwood 2010-04-01 07:06:27

Dear Shank Family We were so sad to see Harriette's obituary in the Daily News Record. At Emmanuel, she was a role model for gracious kindness and fun. We'll always carry a little bit of Harriette with us in how we treat others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, Barb and David Kreutzer Barb and David Kreutzer 2010-04-03 06:58:02

Dear Shank Family Our hearts are heavy with ;your loss. Please know that we will always remember your mother with great fondness. Bill, Eunie, Andy, and Abby The Powell family 2010-04-05 09:33:13

Dear Mary and family, It's been many years since I spent time at your house, but I have fond memories of your mom and dad and their graciousness towards your young friends. I was just reminiscing about the front-yard trampoline and many sleep-overs recently. Out here in Seattle, the Wood girls are both thinking of you - Judith Wood (and Becca Knox) Judith Wood 2010-04-08 15:50:12

I miss you so very much I miss you every day and every minute mom! I love you! Mary Mary Powers 2010-12-13 10:07:33

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