Obituary of Harriet Lee Sporn

Harriet Lee Sporn, née Benson, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on September 25, 2023, on Hilton Head Island, SC. She was 83.

Harriet was born in Manhattan, New York City, to Charles and Cathryn Benson.  She worked as an insurance broker with Johnson & Higgins Insurance Company in NYC for many years, eventually becoming Vice President. She met her husband, Manuel Sporn, while working at Johnson & Higgins. Manny & Harriet were married for 33 years. 

Harriet was a devoted Roman Catholic and Franciscan.  She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology at Kings College, Wilkes-Barre, PA. After moving from Washington Crossing, PA, to Hilton Head Island, SC, in 2000, Harriet became involved with St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church. She loved volunteering at the St. Francis Thrift Shop.  In 2015, she took vows to follow the Hermitic life in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston in South Carolina.

Harriet is predeceased by her parents, her loving husband, Manuel Sporn, and her grandson, Timothy Sporn.  She is survived by her brother, Robert Benson (Virginia) of CA; nieces Adrienne Deinlein (Michael) of KY, and Kristine Bates (Michael Flores) of CA; stepsons Clifford Sporn (Janice) of NJ, Matthew Sporn (Mary Jane) of NJ, and Peter Sporn (Patty) of NJ.  Harriet loved her great-nephews, Nicholas, Gregory, and Joey; her grandchildren, Heather, Christopher (Michelle), Peter Jr., Michael (Nicole), Tracey (Michael Schultz), Patrick, Thomas (Jennifer) and John (Ana), and her 12 great-grandchildren and many great friends. 

Harriet’s Funeral Mass will be held on October 19, 2023, at 10 am at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church on Hilton Head Island with inurnment in the church columbarium immediately following the service. From 9:15 to 9:45 am, prior to the service, there will be an opportunity to visit and pay your respects to Harriet. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Harriet’s life. 

In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation in Harriet’s memory to St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, General Offertory, 45 Beach City Road, Hilton Head, SC 29926.