Harriet Bodner

Harriet was born in Portland in 1920 and has lived here virtually her entire life.  Her mother Helen was a member of the Charles Goodman clan, which has produced many prominent Oregonians through the years.  Unfortunately, her parents divorced in 1925 when Harriet was only 5 years old and her younger brother Alan was just an infant.  Her father, Victor Hoeflich, moved to New York and was not seen by Harriet for 25 years.  Losing her father was very difficult, and the loss was compounded when her mother died of a lingering case of tuberculosis when Harriet was 17.  However, with the support of a nurturing extended family and her strong will and strength of character, she has been able to forge ahead to a life of creativity and meaning, marked by non-stop activity.

Harriet attended Couch Grade School, Lincoln High School, Reed College, the Museum Art School and the Yale University Art School.  In 1943 she married Dr. George Bodner, also a native Portlander, following his graduation from dental school and before he was called to duty in the Naval Reserve during World War II.  In 1945, son Jack was born and in 1947 daughter Helene.  George and Harriet will be celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary this year. 

In addition to being a wonderful wife and mother, Harriet has constantly volunteered for good causes over the years.  These include the Office of Price Administration during World War II, then Cub Scouts, Brownies, Girl Scouts and PTA.  Then came Congregation Beth Israel, Council of Jewish Women, the Portland Art Museum, Democratic political causes, and the Oregon Jewish Museum.  She was on the Board of Neighborhood House for several years.  For her work at the Oregon Jewish Museum, she was awarded the Song of Miriam award in 2006.

Love of art, theater and music has been a prominent interest and theme in Harriet's life.  In the '60s, with her children away at college, Harriet found an outlet for her passion for art when Gallery West opened in Raleigh Hills, just blocks from her home.  She worked there part-time for many years as an art consultant, and loved working with good art and relating to the artists.  That led to volunteering for years at the Rental Sales Gallery at the Portland Art Museum.  Harriet is noted for her creativity in everyday life, whether in event planning, home decor, wardrobe or entertaining.

For many years, she enjoyed the practice of calligraphy, which she studied under Lloyd Reynolds of Reed College.

Love of nature, hiking, bird watching and concern for the environment are also among her many interests.  A lifelong visitor to the Oregon coast, she and George continue to spend weekends at their beloved beach home as often as possible.

At age 88, she continues on today as the resident "living memory" of the Oregon Jewish Museum, in the archives or wherever needed.

Harriet appreciates joining her cousin Marjorie Saltzman, dear friend Elaine Savinar and her former English teacher (and later close friend) Maurine Brown Neuberger in being honored in the Walk of the Heroines.

Submitted by husband George and son Jack in October 2008. Harriet Bodner, a native Oregonian, is being honored in this innovative park by her loving family: husband George Bodner, son Jack Bodner, daughter Helene Jasper, granddaughter Rachel Jasper, and great grandson Dylan Jasper.