Harriet Ellsworth Behrens, age 92, passed away peacefully at her home on October 11, 2015 in Mission Viejo, CA. Her six children and their families held vigil around her in her last days. Harriet was born August 11, 1923 in Washington, D.C. In 1944-45 she served her country as a U.S. WAVE. She had a successful, accomplished 27-year career with the Broadway department store sharing her knowledge of interior and exterior design, and being awarded "Top Sales Person" of the year several times. Harriet's lifelong passion was in sharing all aspects of gardening with her children and grandchildren. Her love for gardening has shaped her family into the people they are today. She instilled in them the joy and benefits of working in a garden, the aesthetic beauty of flowers and plants, and the preservation of the environment. Harriet's passion spread beyond her family to her friends and colleagues. Her accomplishments and contributions are too numerous to list. Highlights include: President of many garden clubs; accredited flower show judge; and landscape design, gardening, and environmental consultant. She was a Life Member of National Garden Clubs, California Garden Clubs, and others. Harriet became the force behind the Heritage Garden as a premier native plant and butterfly sanctuary in the Casta del Sol community. In 2005 she was awarded the prestigious "Woman of the Year" award from the California Garden Club Incorporated (CGCI). Harriet was preceded in death by her husband of over 62 years, Martin J. L. Behrens, and her grandson Stephen Blackwell. She is survived by her six children and their families - Patricia Manning of San Diego, CA; Janet Seibert of Austin, TX; Linda Goold of Lake Forest, CA; Wendy Thomas of Costa Rica; Martin Behrens Jr. of Corvallis, OR; and Jennifer Holt of San Clemente, CA; 17 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her dear friend, companion, and partner of over 6 years, Maury Johnson, of Mission Viejo. Please join the family at gatherings celebrating her life: The Rosary and Visitation is Tuesday, October 20th at 7:00 PM at O'Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. A Mass in her honor is Wednesday, October 21st at 10:00 AM at the San Francisco Solano Catholic Church, 22082 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. Directly following the Mass is her Celebration of Life Reception at the church. Harriet will be laid to rest with full military honors at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in Point Loma, CA, with her husband Martin Behrens and her parents. In lieu of flowers, contributions in thanksgiving of her life may be made to Mission Viejo Garden Club, Harriet Behrens Memorial Scholarship Fund, 38 Sillero, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688.