Harriett Donofrio, 63

DOVER - Harriett Donofrio died Feb. 22, 2009, after an 18 year battle with breast cancer. She was 63. Harriett was born on Nov. 16, 1945, in Salisbury, Md., and grew up in Mardela Springs, Md., where she graduated as valedictorian of her high school class. She graduated from the University of Delaware with a bachelors degree in biology and a masters degree in the natural sciences. Lifelong learning was her passion as she pursued an interest in the study of the natural world, particularly wildflowers, sand, fossils and minerals. She began her career working for DNREC as a water quality technician before becoming a science teacher. She initially taught for 10 years in the Smyrna School District, followed by another 10 years in the Cape Henelopen School District. Throughout her teaching career she received many awards, including 1983 Delaware Teacher of the Year, 1983 Top Four Finalist for National Teacher of the Year, Outstanding Marine Educator, and numerous honors from the University of Delaware and the Delaware Nature Society. Professional organizations were also an important part of her life. She was elected to the board of NSTA, and served as president of Phi Delta Kappa, The Delaware Academy of Science and The Delaware Teachers of Science. She worked as a judge and coach for the Delaware Science Olympiad and sponsored students for the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. Following her 20 year teaching career, Harriett spent 16 years as the devoted director of the Delaware Teacher Center. In addition to her position at the Delaware Teacher Center Harriett served as an adjunct professor at the University of Delaware. After retirement Harriett enjoyed traveling to places such as Spain, the Czech Republic, Africa, Australia, Baja California and New Zealand. When she was not traveling Harriett loved to read, play the piano and laugh. Harriett was preceded in death by her husband of 31 years, Alfred Donofrio Jr.; and her parents, Vernon and Celia Beach of Mardela Springs, Md. She is survived by daughter, Jennifer Donofrio and husband Aaron Shaw of Seattle Wash.; and son, David Donofrio and wife Joelle of Benicia, Calif. She is also survived by her sister, Rebecca Boone of Homer, Ark.; stepfather, William Wright and stepsister, Myrna Enlow of Mardela Springs. Her mother and father-in-law, Florence and Alfred Donofrio of Wilmington, also survive her as well as sister-in-law, Lori Donofrio of Wilmington, brother-in-law, David Donofrio and wife Barbara of Scott's Valley, Calif., and many adoring nieces and nephews. Furthermore, Harriett is survived by her companion, caregiver and traveling partner, Gene Carlisle. Services will be held on Thursday Feb. 26. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Torbert Funeral Home's South Chapel located at 1145 E. Lebanon Road in Dover. Burial to follow in Mardela Springs, Md. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Delaware Academy of Science, 1355 Old Baltimore Pike Newark, DE 19702; to The Delaware Nature Society, P.O. Box 700, Hockessin DE 19707; or to Double Mils Inc., P.O. Box 120, Mardela Springs, MD 21837.