Salem-Harriet Johannesen, 92, formerly of Salem, passed away Monday, December 5, 2016 at the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation at Hoosick Falls. Harriet was born in Brooklyn, NY and was the daughter of the late Bendix and Tonny (Thompson) Johannesen. Harriet was raised and educated in North Hoosick until her family emigrated to Norway, where she spent her early teenage years helping to run a family farm. During the five long years of Nazi occupation of both her country and her home, she lived in an attic, surviving there with her brothers and mother. Her new faith was greatly strengthened during this difficult and dangerous time; and she resolved to serve God with all her heart. Once her family was reunited in Brooklyn, NY; young Harriet received training in nursing, and mission work, and she became a missionary to India during the turbulence of independence and partition. Amid this massacre and the starvation of millions, young Harriet worked without rest; to save refugee children, abandoned by the roadside. After a nearly a decade of missionary service, Harriet returned stateside to care for her ailing parents, and continued to deepen her faith in the Lord. Her desire to return to mission work was delayed for decades as she was called upon to care for other elders in her extended family. Finally, at age 65, Harriet returned to mission work; creating a mission on a mountaintop in Ubombo, South Africa, where she worked tirelessly to improve the lives of both children and prison inmates. After 20 years of joy-filled service, Harriet moved back to the United States, settling in Salem NY, where she communed with the Lord until the end of her days. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, John Johannesen and Bendix Johannesen. Harriet is survived by a nephew, Roy Johannesen of Colfax, CA; a niece, Marilyn Cater of New City, NY; a great niece, Kate Johannesen of Denver, CO. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am Friday, December 9, 2016 at the Rosewood Cemetery, Gannon Road, Center White Creek with pastor Mike Benoit officiating.