GLOUCESTER — Harriet Webster, executive director of the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center, died yesterday, June 23, 2011 in Boston of complications from myelodysplastic syndrome. A Gloucester resident for 41 years, she was 64.
Ms. Webster served on the Gloucester City Council and on the Gloucester School Committee. In 2002, she became director of the fledgling Maritime Heritage Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the city's ocean-faring history and supporting marine sciences. Under her direction, the Heritage Center added underwent major facilities development and expanded its programs for adults and young people, currently serving over 3000 students per year.
She authored or co-authored thirteen nonfiction books, including "Family Secrets: How Telling and Not Telling Affects Our Children, Our Relationships, Our Lives; Overcoming Loneliness in Everyday Lives" (with Jacqueline Olds, M.D. and Richard Schwartz, M.D.); and several New England travel guides. Her essays and articles appeared in Parents Magazine, McCall's, Family Circle, and elsewhere.
Harriet Merton was born May 20, 1947, in New York City and grew up there and in Huntington, Long Island. Her father, Richard Merton, was a business executive; her mother, Felice (Harris) Merton, a homemaker and patron of the arts. In 1969, she graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in sociology; subsequently, she earned a Master's degree in urban affairs from Boston University.
She was married her high school sweetheart, Jonathan Webster. In 1999, she married Charles Symonds, of Gloucester, who survives her. She is also survived by three sons from her first marriage, David Webster, 44, and his wife, Tammy O'Donnell, of Newburyport, Matthew Webster, 39, of Boston, and Benjamin Webster, 31, of New York City; three grandchildren, Seamus, Molly and Angus Webster of Newburyport; two stepsons, Jonathan Symonds, 33, and Michael Symonds, 28; and a brother, Andrew Merton, and his wife, Gail Kelley, of Durham, N.H.
ARRANGEMENTS: A gathering of friends of Harriet's will be held this Sunday, June 26, noon to 3 p.m., at the family home, 9 Langsford St., Lanesville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center, 23 Harbor Loop, Gloucester, MA 01930.
