Harriet K LeGrand
Obituary

Harriet was born in Karlskoga, Sweden September 29, 1943. After graduating high school, she studied at a business/secretarial school in nearby Orebro. She then moved to Stockholm where she was employed at a publishing company which she enjoyed.

She was quite adventurous and in her early 20's she and her best friend decided to go to Paris and work as au pairs and study French. It didn't last very long because they decided to hitch hike to Italy. They found jobs for the summer at a resort in the Italian Alps. They loved it.

In 1968 she followed her sister, Birgit, to California. Birgit was a flight attendant for Continental Airlines. Harriet also applied to Continental Airlines and started a life-long career as a flight attendant. She lived in Redondo Beach for several years before moving to Houston for work. She continued flying until there was a strike and she needed a new job.

She began working for Northwest Airlines and moved to Minneapolis, since they had a hub there. Her work took her all over the U.S., Korea, Japan, and Australia. The perks of working for the airlines was the opportunity to see the world, and return to Sweden often to visit her father and old friends. Her all time favorite trip was an African safari to Kenya, because she always loved animals. She ended her career with Delta Airlines, after 35 years, and settled in Laguna Niguel, CA.

Ever since the late sixties, Harriet was part of a group of Swedish ladies, including her sister, who were all ex-flight attendants. They all had immigrated to the US, and being so far away from home, they were like family to each other. They celebrated Christmas and birthdays together for decades. And of course, they all spoke Swedish to each other.

Harriet was very proud of her Swedish heritage. She loved rooting for Sweden in the Olympics or World Cup.

In Harriet’s retirement she volunteered at the local animal shelter, and cared for her 3 rescued cats. Her cats were everything to her. Harriet always welcomed visitors and was ready with a big hug any time her sister, niece or nephew showed up at her condo. Harriet was fiercely independent and was reluctant to accept help. She lived in her condo as long as she could.

In the last several years, it became apparent that she needed more assistance. She moved to a memory care facility a little over a year ago. Harriet passed away after a brief illness with the flu and pneumonia, on January 15, 2026.

She was the only aunt to her nephew, Mike, and niece, Kristina thus was a big part of their lives. Mike and Kristina were at the hospital by her side throughout her illness.

Harriet had a generous heart and will leave a big hole in our small family. Thank you to the staff at St. Judes Medical Center in Fullerton who treated her with kindness and compassion. We are eternally grateful to Melanie from Albertsons grocery store who kept an eye out for Harriet. Melanie occasionally brought Harriet meals, delivered cat litter, and looked after her cats when she was no longer able.

Harriet is survived by her loving sister, Birgit (Del) LaFace, her nephew, Michael LaFace, and niece Kristina LaFace (Thomas Vitrano), great nephew, Matthew Vitrano (Rylee), and great niece, Maya Vitrano.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.