In Memory of Margaret Best "Meg" Harbison

Obituary

Margaret Best "Meg" Harbison

The incomparable and beloved Margaret Best "Meg" Harbison, 79, of Old Forge, NY died peacefully after a brief illness on Monday December 29, 2025, in the presence of loved ones. Meg was born on February 4, 1946, to Elmore Harris Harbison and Janet German Harbison in Princeton, NJ, and joined older siblings, Helen (who pre-deceased Meg) and John, both of whom Meg cherished greatly, as she did her many cousins, aunts and uncles. 

Meg spent her early years in Princeton before striking out to attend the Colorado Rocky Mountain School where she relished the chores, horse care and riding that comprised the school's daily routine. After graduating, she earned a B.A. in Art at Macalaster College in St. Paul Minnesota, then lived in Cambridge, MA and western Massachusetts for many years before settling permanently in Old Forge. 

Meg was a person of wide-ranging passions which she pursued with diligence. She was a talented artist, notably in painting and photography, but also behind the scenes in opera and theater. A genius with the written word, Meg excelled as a lyricist, beginning a prolific collaborating career with her composer brother John, which included the creation of a popular number: "All for You." She shared a 30+ year collaboration with her cousin, composer Sarah German, creating many recordings together, including Meg's favorite: "Green Bridge Road," a tribute to a much-loved Old Forge spot. 

Passionate and knowledgeable about jazz and classical music, Meg spent hours each week enjoying her favorite radio programs (notably Marian McPartland's Jazz Piano). She was a voracious reader with special fondness for British mysteries and WWII history and was ever grateful to the Old Forge Library staff (especially Karen Lee) for faithfully keeping her supplied with audio books when declining eyesight made it difficult for her to get to the library. Meg was a die-hard fan for her sports teams: the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. She could often be found with a game on her portable radio and a few choice words for her Pats or Sox depending on that day's performance.

A defining feature of Meg's life was summers on the South Shore of beautiful 4th Lake in Old Forge at her historic camp, The Rocks. She enjoyed boating and swimming, but above all: sailing. For years she competed in the weekly Central Adirondack Sailing Association races, bringing home many ribbons in the sunfish class. She took her expertise back to Massachusetts as part of the “Frostbite Sailing” team which braved the icy waters of the Atlantic. But one of her greatest sailing legacies may have been patiently teaching adoring neighbor children on 4th Lake to sail on her red and black Scorpion sailboat. 

When not sailing, Meg could be found soaking up the sun on a perfect dock day, or, drink in hand and wry smile on her face, holding court from a rocker on her front porch amid an assortment of friends and neighbors. An excellent storyteller, Meg had a penchant for irreverence, and an appreciation for the absurd and peppered her stories with the occasional French phrase, or one of many unique expressions she'd coined ­– man, oh, Manischewitz – how she relished a good story.

During her recent years in Old Forge, Meg deeply treasured the friendship and unparalleled support of Windy Kelley who, with immense kindness and generosity, helped Meg navigate the daily practicalities of managing life as her eyesight declined. 

Meg is survived by her brother John (Rosie) of Cambridge, MA, her cousin Sarah German of Salem, MA, and many nieces, nephews and close friends in Old Forge, on 4th Lake and throughout the country. 

Meg was loyal to her loved ones, fiercely independent and followed her own star. She will be deeply missed.

Per Meg's wishes there will not be a memorial service. Remembrances can be shared at simplecremationcny.com