On June 4, 2013, Christ called home Harriet Stevens Sahlman of Camden, S.C.  Harriet is now joined with her husband of 53 years, Bruce Christian Sahlman, who departed in June of 2012. She is survived by her two sons, Steven Bruce Sahlman and Christian Frederick Sahlman, her daughter-in-law Roslyn Simon Sahlman, her grandchildren Reagan Elise Sahlman and Christian James Sahlman, her sister Dorothy Stevens Esner and her sister-in-law, Jeanne Townsend Stevens. She was especially close to her nieces Christine Bradley Pecor, Virginia Bradley Young, Cynthia Bradley Williams and her nephews Albert Paul Bradley and Paul Bradley Stevens III.

Born in Baltimore, Md., to Paul Bradley Stevens and Mary Agnes Stevens, Harriet grew up during the Second World War and post war boom with her older siblings, Dorothy and Paul, Jr. A 1953 graduate of Eastern High School in Baltimore, she later attended Western Maryland College in Westminster, Md., and earned a bachelor’s  degree in psychology. She was elected president of her sorority, Phi Alpha Mu.

Harriet married Bruce Sahlman in 1959, a graduate of the University of Florida, Yale University, and former naval aviator. Bruce’s profession of forestry led the newly married couple south, far south, where the couple made homes in Louisville, Fitzgerald, and Savannah in Georgia, Bellamy and Greenville in Alabama, Columbia in South Carolina and the couples’ eventual retirement destination of Camden, also in South Carolina.

Truly, Harriet never met a stranger. Vivacious and outgoing she easily made friends. One part Carol Burnett, one part Lucille Ball, and one part Anne Coulter she had an unabashed personality. But more important than merely making friends, she invested herself in her friendships. She was kind and caring and truly took on her friends’ and family’s problems as her own. To her, the highest compliment was being the friend you can count on when a friend is needed.

Early in her marriage, Harriet worked as a full time mother raising her two active boys. Later, Harriet held various salaried jobs including real estate sales and newspaper promotion and advertising. Harriet was active in her community and volunteered with many different organizations. From working with underprivileged children to Cub Scouts to delivering meals to shut-ins and seniors, she gave back to her community.  She enjoyed working with youths and gained much joy in directing two high school theatrical productions of “Oklahoma!” and “Brigadoon.”

She loved music and the arts. She painted. She played the piano. She sang. She danced. She seldom turned down the opportunity to perform any of these. Although, the years may have taken a toll on her energy, she never lost her zest for living.

Harriet was active at Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church in Camden. There she replenished her soul with the Word, communion, and fellowship.

She deeply loved her husband, sons, and grandchildren. She generously gave of her love and attention to them all.

Taking flight on gossamer wings

We sail into the light and the ether

There we go to meet the Maker

Who will claim us as His own.

Until the risen Lord brings home all of his children, we will miss her.

At a later date, there will be a memorial Sunday service in Camden, S.C.. Her remains will be interred at a memorial service at Parkwood Cemetery in Baltimore, Md., where she will rest beside her father and mother.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Lung Association, a cause that was near to Harriet and benefits many in need.

Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be sent to the Sahlman family by visiting www.kornegayfuneral.com.