Mary Katharine Harmon, 88, of Southbury, CT died at Pomperaug Woods on Wednesday, May 22, 2013. She was the daughter of William B. Harmon and Irma Connell Harmon of Scarsdale, New York. Mary K graduated with distinction from both Emma Willard, in Troy, NY (1944) and Smith College in Northampton, MA in 1948. After graduation Mary K taught at Packard School in Brooklyn before moving to Florence, Italy, where she taught English. When she returned to the U.S. Houghton Mifflin's children's book division in Cambridge, MA hired her. Mary K flourished as children's book editor and helped bring to life the lovable Lyle the Crocodile and the beloved Curious George. In 1961 she wrote her own children's book, the well-received My Time of Year. Mary K was an avid outdoorswoman, an ardent birdwatcher, a sports enthusiast, and an active member of her church. Additionally, she supported a number of charities through her long participation in a family-run foundation that was established by her grandfather William E. Harmon in 1921. In 1999 she moved to Heritage Village where she was an energetic member of the community. Her brothers William B., and Jeremiah Connell Harmon as well as her sister Nancy Harmon McNevin predecease Mary K. She is the adored aunt of 15 nieces and nephews and too many great nieces and nephews to count.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Save the Children Fund, 54 Wilton Road, Westport, CT 06880.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Funeral: Church of the Epiphany

Services: On Sunday, June 2nd at 1 p.m. there will be a funeral mass to celebrate her life at the Church of the Epiphany, 262 Main Street, Southbury, CT 06488.

Visitation: There are no calling hours.