Ploughshares Fund Honors Our Dear Friend Harle Montgomery: 1918-2010
Harle, an active peacemaker and instrumental supporter of Ploughshares Fund, passed away October 24 at the age of 92. A long time resident of La Jolla, California, Harle dedicated her life to philanthropy and bettering the world around her through her contributions to many local organizations. After attending Stanford University, Harle traveled Europe as a journalist in the years before World War II, profiling individuals such as John F. Kennedy. Later, she and her late husband established the Kenneth and Harle Montgomery Foundation, as well as the Kenneth and Harle Montgomery Endowment at Dartmouth College. Harle also possessed a deep passion for politics and campaigned on behalf of candidates from Jimmy Carter to Barack Obama.
Harle’s commitment to Ploughshares Fund began in 1988 and only deepened in the following years with her strong connection to our founder Sally Lilienthal, whom she referred to as a sister. She once wrote to Sally about Ploughshares Fund saying, “I marvel at all you accomplish with so few and feel humbled…You are my inspiration!” The feeling was certainly mutual. Harle Montgomery’s memory will continue to serve as our inspiration as we continue on our mission to promote peace and secure a nuclear weapon-free world.
