Mina M. Harrison
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Mina M. Harrison of Northampton, MA, passed away suddenly on May 17, 2021.
Born in 1944, Mina grew up in Illinois, the daughter of a Baptist minister. She attended Wheaton College (Illinois) for her undergraduate degree, where she met her first husband, Roger Duncan. They both attended graduate school at Yale University, where Mina received her Masters in English. She began her professional life teaching high school English in the New Haven area. After her divorce, and while her daughter, Laura, was only a toddler, she entered law school at Northeastern University.
In Cambridge, she met Paul Hollander, her future husband, and upon her graduation from law school, she and Paul moved to Northampton with Laura. Paul's daughter Sarah completed this blended family. Paul took a professorial position at UMass, and Mina began her law career at the District Attorney's office. Mina practiced law privately for many years in Northampton. She focused on Elder Law, and she is remembered by her clients and their families as caring, helpful and knowledgeable.
Mina was an intellectually curious person and a lifelong learner, who particularly loved to travel. She would joke that the reason she married Paul was that he had his summers off and was available as a travel partner. The two of them journeyed to all parts of the world, and much of their time together was spent in constant planning mode for the next adventure. Her curiosity was far reaching - cooking, Buddhism, everything French, politics, music, and the big ideas of life. She was an excellent and devoted gardener, and she and Paul will always be remembered for their many hikes and kayak excursions.
Mina was a fierce advocate, professionally and personally, for people and ideas. She volunteered for many organizations, and even in retirement continued her commitment to the elderly through hospice programs. For years she visited assisted living and nursing homes with her dog Sophie to provide companionship and comfort. For her family and friends, she was loyal, supportive, and she could always be counted on for help. To be sure, she was sometimes challenging - iron-willed and exacting, with a fiery spirit she got from her father. But for those who knew her well, and the many people she aided along the way, she will be remembered for her passion, generosity and willingness to give of her time and herself. Her care and love for her daughter and step-daughter can not be overstated, and Laura and Sarah will forever be grateful for the life and inspiration she gave them.
Mina was predeceased by her husband, Paul. She is survived by her daughter and step-daughter, and her sister, Julia Tinsley. Memorial gifts may be made in her name to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.
Ahearn Funeral Home
(413)587-0044