Harriet Isobel King

Born in Moncton on March 1, 1942, Harriet was the daughter of Donald and Phyllis (Dignan) Bolton. She spent weekends visiting her grandparents in Sussex and summers at the family cottage in Pointe-du-Chêne. The cottage, on Parlee Beach, would remain her favourite place on earth for her entire life. As a child, her family moved to Halifax and eventually settled in Rockingham. She graduated from Mount Saint Vincent Academy and then trained as an X-ray technician at the Victoria General Hospital. After graduation, she began her career at the Bridgewater Hospital. It was in Bridgewater that she met her husband, John King, of Florence, Cape Breton.

John and Harriet married in 1963 and settled in Purcell’s Cove a few years later, where they built a home, raised their family, and enjoyed sailing and all that is special about “the Cove.”

Harriet worked in Halifax at Camp Hill Hospital, then the Halifax Infirmary, and later at the National Breast Screening Clinic. She concluded her career doing mammography at the QEII.

Harriet loved music—both playing (piano) and attending concerts. She had a passion for gardening and was a long-time member of the Halifax Westmorland Gardening Club, serving on the executive for many years. She was especially proud of her award-winning yellow rose. Later in life, she took up bridge and enjoyed weekly games with her group, often hosting.

Harriet was deeply involved in her community, and volunteerism was part of her life right up until the end. As a young woman, she joined Beta Sigma Phi and volunteered in many ways. She was an active volunteer in the activities her daughters were involved in, as well as at her church, Bethany United. In retirement, she delivered books to seniors through the Captain William Spry Public Library and served as a volunteer reader in the children’s after school program. When she could no longer drive, she still found a way to be of service by taking on a card ministry on behalf of the congregation of Bethany—sending hundreds of cards over the last 10 years to members of the congregation and their families, letting them know they were thought of during times of loss, illness, and significant birthdays. She loved hearing that the cards were received with appreciation.

This thoughtfulness was typical of Harriet. She was generous with her time and talents—known for preparing food in times of need, offering a drive to someone who needed it, helping a neighbour, or making a phone call to someone she sensed might need connection.

Harriet is survived by her daughters, Alison (Robert McDonald and granddaughter Maddy) and Patti (Peter O’Hagan); her sister, Jane Morrison (Jamie); her brother, Mike Bolton (Debbi); and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly as well as her special great nieces and nephew whose stories and adventures brought her great joy. Harriet treasured her friendships and leaves behind many dear friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, John, and most recently her beloved sister, Susan—as well as, of course, Sandy and her grand pups, whom she adored.

A service in Harriet’s memory will be held at Bethany United Church on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Family flowers only. Donations may be made to Bethany United Church or to a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the emergency room team, as well as the staff of 7.4, who provided attentive and tender care to Harriet during her final days.