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HELEN HARSHBARGER Obituary

Helen Mary Shiffman Harshbarger, born March 18, 1916 in Fort Wayne, IN, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2011 surrounded by her family and her faithful companion, Nollie. She married Howard F. Harshbarger on Dec. 6, 1941, and he preceded her in death on Feb. 12, 1986. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Frances Wright and Jacob Shiffman; her brothers, Louis (the late Kay) and David (the late Martha) Shiffman; and her grandson, Michael David Carey. Helen leaves to cherish her memory her four loving children, H. David (Ellen), Warren Francis (Lalie), Robert Leon Harshbarger and Lisa Helen (Robert) Carey; her wonderful grandchildren, Dana and JD, Lauren, Kailee and Jenna Harshbarger, and Taylor Frances Carey; as well as a lifetime of great friends. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Helen's loving caregivers, Ashley Franklin and Sarah Brinkley and nurse Sherri Arthur from Joliet Area Community Hospice. Helen was a lifelong educator and was proud to be the first woman elected to the Will County Board. Memorials may be directed to Joliet Junior College, Senior Services Center of Joliet, the Farm Bureau or Joliet Area Community Hospice. Visitation Friday, June 3, 2 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. until the time of the Celebration of Helen's Life at 12 Noon at the Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, corner of Rts. 30 and 59, Plainfield. Sister Mary Frances Seeley, Helen's longtime friend, will officiate. Interment will follow at Plainfield Township Cemetery. For info 815/436-9221 or www.overmanjones.com

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Jun. 2, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for HELEN HARSHBARGER

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Bobbi (Jesonowski) Johnston

June 7, 2011

Your family is in my prayers.

Lynn Caddick

June 6, 2011

To Lisa and all of Helen's family,
Helen was someone who I was blessed to have known and also to have worked for. A wonderful lady, so full of joy and a ready smile for all who passed her way. She impacted so many people during her lifetime and we were all fortunate to have learned so much from her. She will be greatly missed.

June 6, 2011

Dave, Chip, Rob and Lisa
I am so sorry for your loss. Memories of Smiley family functions come to mind. Long, long ago. Please accept our condolences.
Joanne and Donna

Sherri Landeck

June 5, 2011

Lisa,
We are sadden to hear about mom. Our deepest sympathy to you and family during this time. We know you will miss her dearly, may she RIP!
Sherri and Tyler Landeck

Joyce Dennis

June 5, 2011

It was my honour to work and know such a wonderful person. She broought style and class to the Office of Circuit Court and to Will County. My sincerest sympathy to her family. She was a treasure. Joyce Dennis.

Lillian Fiday,Lyman,Denneau

June 4, 2011

Chip and Lisa and family,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. She was a wonderful woman. She was my high school teacher and both of you were very good freinds of Kathy's (Lyman, Batis) and mine. Love to all and God bless all of you

June 4, 2011

While I have had no contact with Helen since the late 1970s, she had a profound impact on my life. She was the sort of person who did that. She gave me the opportunity to work for her in her unsuccessful bid for a state senate position. I never had nor have since participated in a campaign for a Republican candidate. However, Helen was about issues. She was about the most important issues of that day. She was honest, sincere, and vibrant. She would have made an outstanding state senator and I will always feel remorse that I was not able to make enough of a difference to get her elected. She was a progressive thinker in the best ways possible: concerned with the impact of policies on real people and dedicated to rational decision-making. She was an amazingly strong woman who gave me a stunning model for how a mature, intelligent, professional woman can be in the world.

Please accept my sincere condolences. As sad as this passing is, the life that preceded it is worthy of much celebration.

JoAnn Pavletich, PhD
Houston, Texas

June 4, 2011

What a beautiful lady! She will be missed and the memories will go on and on. Lisa, Chip, Robbie and David - You are so in our prayers for the loss of your mother. Doug and I were not able to attend the services, but need you to know we loved her so and our sympathy goes to all of your family! Doug and Nancy Ziech, Joliet, IL

Dorothy Chapman

June 4, 2011

Lisa, I am sorry for the loss of your Mother. You and your family are in my prayers.

Connie Meyer

June 3, 2011

My sympathy to the family, may you find comfort in your memories, Helen was someone I was proud to know, she was an outstanding women.

Heidi McDaniel

June 3, 2011

Lisa and Family,
I am sorry to hear of your Mom's loss. I remember the days we would spend doing nails and mom would just sit there and laugh with a smile on her face of our conversations. She will be greatly missed. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to get to know her and hang out with her. Love to all and God Bless. Heidi McDaniel & Family

Rick Hakey

June 3, 2011

Bob, Lisa and family - our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.

Toni (Pastore) Ritter

June 3, 2011

Rob & Lisa,

I am sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

owen dratler

June 3, 2011

Compassionate yet strong. Intelligent yet possessing a sense of humor. To work with Ms. Harshbarger was to receive an education on how to be a fine human being and a dedicated public servant. While saddened by her passing I cannot help but acknolwedge how much I and, no doubt others, learned from her. Simply a wonderful lady.

Jenna Goebig

June 2, 2011

Helen was such an amazing inspiration for me as a child. Her dedication and drive to make a positive change in the community have had a profound impact on so many people. She brought so much love and happiness to all of the lives she touched. She will me missed and my prayers go out to her blessed family. May Helen rest in peace. She leaves behind a legacy in the Will County community.

We will miss you (and your fantastic hat collection)

Kathy McCormack

June 2, 2011

Helen Gave Me The Opportunity to Work at the Circuit Clerk's Office and Inspired Me So Much That I Am Still There 17 Years Later...She Will Always Be Remembered for Her Class and Her Hats! Rest In Peace My Friend.

Don Gettys

June 2, 2011

My deepest sympathies to the friends and family of this amazing woman. I knew her in passing through my friendship with her son Rob, and I always respected her drive and poise. Always a smile and a hello, she was a true role model for many.

Brianna "Goebig" Stalwick

June 2, 2011

I am so heart broken in hearing this news. Helen was a HUGE part of my life growing up and I have so many wonderful memories with her. She was the best neighbor and friend that you could ask for. I will always remember her kind heart and wonderful presence. I know that she is in a better place and one of the best angels looking over us. She will always be close and near to my heart. My love, thoughts and prayers are with Helen's family and friends during this difficult time.

Kurt Sangmeister

June 2, 2011

We were very sorry to learn of Helen's passing yesterday. She ran a good Circuit Clerk's office and was always extremely pleasant to visit with. She was a very classy lady. I will miss her.

Jeff McMillin

June 2, 2011

Rob and family
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Helen was a wonderful lady.

June 2, 2011

Lloyd Seabron & Family
Joliet, IL. 60433

June 2, 2011

Lisa and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Helen's passing. May God bless you and your family. The "Grand Lady" of all will always be dear to our hearts and her legacy will live forever. Love, Karen Roppa

Tecoma Hill

June 2, 2011

Oh Helen....how Te-Kiyah and I are gonna miss hanging out with you. You were truly a fighter.....I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet you and spend time with you...You were truly a beautiful and inspiring woman.....Thanks Lisa for giving me and my family the opportunity to meet such a wonderful lady....My deepest sympathy to the family...

Tecoma Hill

June 2, 2011

Oh Helen....how Te-Kiyah and I, are gonna miss hanging out with you and Nollie....watching t.v and eating snacks......My heart is heavy now but I know you are in a better place......You were a very tough lady, who knew exactly what she wanted and when she wanted.....I Love you dearly....so glad to have had the opportunity to meet such a beautiful, inspiring lady.....and Thank you Lisa for sharing Mom and all of her wonderful memories with me.....My deepest sympathy to the entire family..

Mary Ann Murphy

June 2, 2011

Only meant her once at a Reading Council meeting, she had a wonderful way about her and so pleasant. My deepest sympathy to the family. Mary Ann Cuncio Murphy

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

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