Leontine (Tina) Lyle Harrower
Tina passed away peacefully from complications of a stroke, on June 12, 2017, at the age of 91, with friends Bill, Barb (and Morgan) at her side.
Tina was born in New York City on February 12, 1926. The family lived in a beautiful home three blocks from central park. Tina attended school at “Miss Hewitt’s Classes”, where she was bestowed the prestigious “Miss Hewitt’s Girl” Award upon graduation. Tina’s debut was held at the Annual Allied Flag Ball - LIFE magazine featured the event in an article entitled “Life Goes to a Cotillion for 99 New York Debutantes”.
Tina was married to Norman Harrower II on September 1, 1945, and together, they raised three children.
In 1956, Tina was introduced to Senator Prescott Bush, through her dear friend, Nan Ellis. The bug for politics grabbed Tina and before long she held numerous political positions: a member of Senator Bush’s Connecticut Staff; Co-chair for the Nixon and Lodge campaign of 1960; Connecticut Chair for the Republican Women’s conference in 1962; Vice-Chair in the Scranton Presidential drive; and as the National Committee Woman for Connecticut.
Tina’s life changed when her marriage of 35 years ended in divorce. Fortunately, the Bush family asked her to become involved with fundraising for George Bush Sr.’s campaign, which led to many new opportunities, one of which was the management of the Washington Corporative Arts – a company that handled social events for politicians and royals. Her client list included the Bush family, World Wildlife International (Prince Phillip’s foundation), and the British Embassy.
Bristol-Myers, one of her clients, asked Tina to become the event planner for their grant program. Tina was a master of organization and created many memorable events across the country during her 10 year career with them. No detail was ever overlooked and she was highly praised.
Tina also worked tirelessly as a volunteer for the Republican Party. During her life, she personally knew 5 Presidents of the United States, and worked for 3 of them. She had the privilege to fly on Air Force 2. She adored politics and all of the excitement that surrounded it.
Tina moved to Comox in 2002, and was very proud to become a permanent resident of Canada in 2003. She became very involved in her new community – becoming Chair of her condo strata association, sitting on the Board of the Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park Association, as well as the Board of the Comox Museum.
Tina was a passionate reader and was well versed on many topics. She loved watching sports, particularly football and tennis. She loved gardening and tending to her orchids. Her sense of style was undeniable. Her greatest attribute however, was her wonderful sense of humour. In her autobiography, “In the Hands of my Friends”, which she published in her 83rd year, she writes that there are many important traits, but the single most important trait is a sense of humour.
Tina touched the lives of many people in the Comox Valley. Mourning the loss of their beautiful and sophisticated friend are: Cheri, Judith, Trudy, Don, Bill, Barb and Morgan (her favorite four legged companion).
Special thank you to Dr. Michael Neufeld, the Hospice at the Views, the nurses at St. Joseph’s hospital, and the staff and residents of Berwick. Thank you also to Piercy’s Funeral Home for their careful and dignified treatment of our beloved Tina.
Tina is survived by her son Norie, her daughter Mary, her grandchildren Scotty and Alexandra and was predeceased by her daughter Mimi and her brother Gordon.
There will be a reception to celebrate Tina’s extraordinary life on Tuesday, July 4th at 1533 Cedar Avenue, Comox, from 2 pm – 5 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Comox Valley Hospice Society would be appreciated.
Tina, we hope to do you proud - we know that you will be watching!