Photo courtesy of Reichel Funeral Home - Northampton
Dec 18, 1934 - Feb 9, 2026
I adored Mrs. Meckes. She was my fourth grade teacher in 1983, and I still remember her as my favorite teacher!!! . She had a warm, welcoming smile and was so caring! God Bless her family!
Kelli (Grammes) Tremba
February 23, 2026 | PA | Student
Sending my deepest sympathy to the family. I taught with Harrriet at the elementary school. She was a lovely and caring parson. Cherish the wonderful memories you shared with her.
Ann Bove
February 22, 2026 | Coworker
My deepest condolences to your family. Mrs. Meckes was my amazing 4th grade teacher. I have so many fond memories of her and her class. Mrs. Meckes also allowed me to visit her classroom and help out when I was an education major in college. I learned a lot from her, and I will always cherish the wonderful memories.
Lori Galucy
February 20, 2026 | Student
My deepest condolences to the family and John. Harriet always had a smile on her face and was an all around good person. She will be missed
Michelle Steward
February 16, 2026 | Northampton, PA | Friend
My sincere sympathy to your family at the passing of Harriet. She was a lovely and caring person and always a pleasure to talk to. Mary Mann, widow of Harriet's cousin Charlie Mann
Mary Mann
February 15, 2026 | Bethlehem, PA | Family
What a lovely person Mrs. Meckes was and a wonderful teacher for one of our sons at Steckel Elementary school. She was kind and caring and easy to talk to. I fondly remember chatting with her about an antique Hoosier cabinet we were searching for. She suggested a place to look and we purchased a lovely one. It is a constant reminder of her and her kindness she shared forty years ago. We are truly saddened by your loss.
Melody Faisetty
February 15, 2026 | Whitehall, PA | Acquaintance
My deepest sympathy to the family. Harriet was a true friend, and a wonderful colleague at the elementary school. May you always remember the good memories you shared together.
Pamela Knerr
February 12, 2026 | Northampton, PA | Coworker
Remember the smiles, the moments, the little things. Keep them in your heart forever. Don't cry because her life is over. Smile, because it was. Deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
N.H.S. CLASS OF '52
February 12, 2026
Harriet always knew the right thing to do, she put everyone at ease with her friendly natural manner. This period of learning to live with Harriet’s death will be difficult for you. We will miss her too, but she is very much alive in our in the memory of all who knew her. My sympathies are with you. Janice Lerch
Janice Lerch
February 11, 2026 | Northampton, PA | Friend
Harriet Meckes, 91, of Northampton, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2026, at the Inpatient Hospice Unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Allentown, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Donald W. Meckes, who passed away in July of 2003. Born December 18, 1934, in Dannersville, Pennsylvania, Harriet was a daughter of the late Marcus and Beatrice (Mann) Hilberg. She grew up working hard on her family’s farm, an experience that helped shape her strong work ethic and lifelong dedication to others. Harriet attended Nazareth High School through her junior year and graduated from Northampton Area Senior High School in 1952. Harriet earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from East Stroudsburg University and later completed her Master’s Degree at Lehigh University. She devoted her career to education, teaching third and fourth grade in the Whitehall-Coplay School District for 28½ years, until her retirement in 1997. Harriet was a faithful member of Emmanuel’s Lutheran Church, Bath. She was also a member of Quota USA, Northampton Chapter, and a 57-year member of Rose Croix Chapter No. 125, Order of the Eastern Star. Harriet greatly enjoyed planting flowers, tending to her garden, and traveling. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family. Her greatest joy came from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought immense happiness to her life.
Survivors include: her son, Scott Meckes and wife Patti; her daughter, Donna Newhart and husband Alan; her granddaughter, Jessica Lovitto and husband Michael; granddaughter, Kristen Espinoza and husband James; grandson, Marcus Newhart; three great-grandchildren, Olivia & Hudson Lovitto and Kaysen Espinoza; her sister, Bernice Bollman; and her companion of 20 years, John Bahnick.
Services: A visitation with the family will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 9:15 to 10:45 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Emmanuel’s Lutheran Church, 3175 Valley View Drive, Bath. Interment will follow at Zion Cemetery, Northampton. Arrangements are under the care of Reichel Funeral Home, Northampton. Online condolences may be offered at www.reichelfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Harriet’s honor to Emmanuel’s Lutheran Church or to the Breast Cancer Foundation | Susan G. Komen® using the following link: http://www.info-komen.org/goto/Harriet_Meckes
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