Obituary
Theresa Ann (Ward) Harpster, 92, of Belleville, PA, passed
away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Valley View Retirement Community where
she enjoyed the last 12 years. Theresa had great affection for the staff,
administration and residents.
Born on February 18, 1932 in Allensville, PA, she was the
daughter of the late E. Russell and Sarah Anna (Allison) Ward. On October 28,
1950, she married the late James A. Harpster of Burnham, PA.
She is survived by her children, JoAnn Richards Lew and
partner John Cocolin of State College, Michael Harpster and his wife Tyra of
Manassas, VA and Keith Harpster and his wife Kim of Damascus, MD. Theresa is
also survived by her grandchildren, Eve Courson Penner, Seth H. Richards, Jr.,
Rebecca Stahl, Jennifer Harpster, Ashley Diglisic and Angelie Bayarcal
Harpster; great-grandchildren, Ava Courson, Griffin Richards, Andrew Stahl,
Kate Stahl, Bryce Cody-Harpster, Gavin Cody-Harpster, Oliver Ishikawa, Mila Diglisic,
Nikola Diglisic, Luka Diglisic and Kara Harpster and her
great-great-grandchild, Quincy Cody-Harpster.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Jane Ward Taylor
and her grandchildren, Elizabeth Harpster and Jason Harpster.
Theresa enjoyed cooking, gardening and traveling. Her
nourishing love for her entire family was unequaled. She and her husband, Jim,
were active members of the Lady Lion Cager Club and were avid fans of the Penn
State women’s and men’s basketball and football teams. Her generosity and
charisma along with her joy of life touched everyone she met. Her smile was
unparalleled. Theresa will live on in the hearts of all those she encountered.
The family invites you to celebrate her well-lived life at a
memorial service on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 11:00am at West Kish
Presbyterian Church, 3820 W. Main St., Belleville, PA followed by a reception
in the Fellowship Hall. Jim and Theresa will be inurned together at the Centre
County Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the
family would like to honor Theresa and her love for all things Penn State Lady
Lion Basketball. Please send any contributions made payable to Penn State and send to:
Penn State Varsity
'S'
Women's Basketball
I/O Theresa
Harpster
147 Bryce Jordan
Center
University Park, PA 16802
or the Valley View Retirement Community, 4702 E. Main St.,
Belleville, PA 17004 to show our appreciation
for the exemplary care & attention our mother received from the staff and administration.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Haky/Georgiana Centre
County Funeral Home. An online guestbook may be signed and condolences left for
the family at www.hakygeorgianafh.com.