Amrhein, Harriet
By Canton CitizenHarriet Amrhein, 92, of Canton, a beloved matriarch, mother of 10 children, died unexpectedly on Sunday, January 18, after an illness.
Harriet was born in Boston on March 3, 1933. She graduated from Brookline High School. She worked as a secretary for John Hancock Insurance before moving to Canton, where she has lived for the past 67 years. Harriet was an only child.
As a child, Harriet lived in prestigious residences, including the Governor’s Mansion, as her mother, Charlotte Pitts (formerly Petitpas), was a private live-in cook for numerous Boston-area blue-bloods, including Massachusetts Governor Saltonstall.
She was a gifted painter and poet. A link to her poetry is provided here.
Harriet had a smile for everyone. She was a devout Catholic who prayed the rosary and traveled to France to see the Incorruptible saints — a role model in faith, courage, generosity, and compassion. Harriet made people feel important and beautiful, that they mattered. Mrs. Amrhein walked everywhere in Canton. She loved puzzles, playing cards or chess, Nantasket Beach, and eating ice cream.
Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, of 52 years (2011), and her son John T. (2016). She outlived all her peers on Cape Cod Lane. She kept walking until just a few weeks ago.
Survived by her son Robert Amrhein of Wrentham, daughter Mary Amrhein Barnes of Augusta, Maine, daughter Joan Amrhein of Dover, NH, son Walter Amrhein of Wrentham, daughter Louise Amrhein of Canton, son Joseph Amrhein of Chicago, IL, daughter Catherine Amrhein Starr of Cranston, RI, son Bill Amrhein of Easton, and daughter Rosemary Amrhein of Lexington. Her legacy includes many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, 455 Washington Street, on Friday, January 30, from 12-2 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass on Saturday, January 31, at 10 a.m. in St. Oscar Romero Parish (formerly St. John the Evangelist), 700 Washington Street. Interment at Canton Corner Cemetery following the Mass. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Waterfall Bar & Grille in Canton at 12 p.m.
See full listing at www.dockrayandthomasfuneralhome.com/listings.
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Posted by Canton Citizen
on Jan 22 2026. Filed under Obituaries.
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