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Donna Harpster Obituary
May 19, 2014
Donna Harpster, Lebanon, passed away on her 65th birthday at the Mount Joy Hospice Center.
Born May 19, 1949, in Shamokin, she was a daughter of the late John and Jacqueline Rupp Walter.
She was of the Lutheran faith.
Donna graduated from Pennsbury High School, Levittown, Class of 1967, and from Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, in 1971, with a degree in elementary education. After two years with the Pottsgrove School District, she devoted 38 years to the Cocalico School District, Denver Elementary, teaching grades K-3.
Donna married Brian on June 6, 1997, at the Myerstown Lantern Lodge, with the Rev. Jay Serafin presiding.
Always greeted with a hug, she was a firm believer in the "Golden Rule."
Donna was very creative with combining teaching with nurturing emotional needs. It was not uncommon for her to be the listening ear to anyone in the school, from cafeteria worker to administrator. She was always faithful to her students, using motivational quotations to enhance the relationship with her "kids."
After a 40-year teaching career, Donna retired at the end of the school year in June 2011. Although she never had any children of her own, she lovingly cared for more than 1,000 children throughout her career, many of whom stayed in contact years after leaving the classroom.
Surviving are her husband, Dr. Brian Harpster, DVM; brother, Raymond, husband of Patricia Walter, Morrisville; sisters, Cynthia, wife of Robert Harper, and Kimberly, wife of Paul Palucis, both of Levittown; and loving nieces and nephews, Brian, Chelsea, David, Jason, Jeff, Kyle and Natalie.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend a funeral service at 8 p.m. Thursday at Swamp Lutheran Church, 275 Swamp Church Road, Reinholds, with Pastor Jay Serafin officiating. A viewing will be held from 4 p.m. until the time of service at the church. A graveside funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Citizen's Cemetery, Lavelle. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Penn State Milton S. Hershey Children's Hospital, 600 Centerview Drive, A120, P.O. Box 852, Hershey, PA 17033. Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, 1323 Centre St., Ashland, has charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donna Harpster
Susan James Rodebaugh
September 28, 2017
Donna! My childhood friend in Levittown! We were terrific friends in high school. I attended our 50th year reunion in September and learned of your passing. All the kind words your friends wrote describe you throughout life's journey.
Cindy & Bob
June 14, 2014
Thinking of you, everyday...We miss you! I hope you are watching over all of us.
Dianne Ostrich
June 5, 2014
Once in a while in your life time you meet someone that you feel you have know all your life, captures your heart, you feel blessed to have know them and that is how we felt about Donna. We were lucky to have become friends, enjoying dinners with her and Brian. They will be very much missed. Donna was a beautiful woman with a beautiful heart and God has gotten a very special angel. I am sure she is in heaven comforting all the children. What a blessing it was to have spend time with her and Brian. May she rest in peace.
May 30, 2014
May 30, 2014
May 30, 2014
May 29, 2014
May 28, 2014
May 28, 2014
To Die on your Birthday!
The Chassidic masters explain that on the day we are born we are entrusted with a mission. The righteous person lives his life achieving his fullest potential and completes his mission on earth in the MOST PERFECT way possible. This PERFECTION is expressed in the fact that his mission ends on the VERY Same Day that it was BEGUN! RIP May 19, 1949 - May 19, 2014 WE LOVE YOU!
Cindy Harper
May 28, 2014
What can I say...I will miss you more than any words could ever explain. I could just call you up and my Big Sister would ALWAYS have the right thing to say...The right advise ...the right comforting words....Whatever, I needed She was there. What an honor to be your sister! I will always carry you with me in my heart! I will see you again... I have faith! Thank you everyone for all your kind words...they are so true! Your Best Buddy, your little Sister, Cindy..I Love you more!!!
May 27, 2014
jan Skok
May 25, 2014
Memories will always be dear to me of Donna. From way back in the 50's as we grow up together as neighbor's, my best friends sister, my sister's friend. Then when she went to college to learn to be a teacher. And what a grand teacher she was. Loved by all! But then as we both grew older, being together again, to celebrate the young " Three Amigos " weddings. Her smile had not changed. Her love for people, and friends, and of course, her love of life and Family. Knowing your love for the Lord,I see that smile knowing that you have joined your Mom, Dad, and Grandparent's in Glory... With much love to all of the Walter-Harpster family..
John 10:27-29 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.”
May 25, 2014
Vicki Kreider
May 25, 2014
Donna lived and taught by what her father lived as a former marine- Semper Fidelis! This phrase, "always faithful" is exactly what Donna was to her students. She was always faithful to each student's needs, both academically and emotionally. Donna believed in the potential of each child and every child was respected and loved and they each felt that every day. Her students flourished under her guidance and took with them from her class not just academic gains but gains that can't be measured by any standardized test and yet are much more meaningful and lasting.
It's our time to continue Donna's legacy of love for others!
Raymond Walter
May 25, 2014
Thank you for all of the kind words for my sister!
I appreciate everything that your community did for my sister during her funeral/viewing, during her battle with cancer and during her lifetime. I will always treasure your messages in this guest book and the personal thoughts about Donna conveyed over the past few days. She is sadly missed!
May 23, 2014
May 23, 2014
May 23, 2014
Debra Raudenbush
May 23, 2014
When I first started teaching at Denver Elem. in 1990, Donna shared this poem with me which has hung on my bulletin board in my classroom ever since. In memory of lovely Donna, truly a tender gardner of children.
We hold you in our hearts:
The soul of a child is the loveliest flower
That grows in the garden of God.
It climbs from weakness to knowledge and power
To the sky from the clay and the clod.
Be tender, O gardner, and give it its share
Of moisture, of warmth, and of light;
And let it not lack for painstaking care
To protect it from frost and from blight.
A glad day shall com when it bloom shall unfold
It will seem that an angel has smiled
Reflecting a beauty and sweetness untold
In the sensitive soul of a child.
In the breast of a bulb is the promise of Spring;
In the little blue egg is a bird that will sing;
In the soul of the seed is the hope of the sod;
In the soul of a child is the Kingdom of God.
Annie Shoemaker
May 22, 2014
Mrs. Harpster was always my favorite teacher. She was loved and will be missed. Prayers are with her family.
Kevin O'Brassill
May 22, 2014
I am so sorry for your loose and for the world's loose of such a sweet person.
Nikki (Shockey) Metzler
May 22, 2014
My first years as a teacher at Denver Elementary were spent opening my classroom door throughout the days and seeing Donna's room directly across. I observed her loving, smiling face, and the reciprocating faces of the children that were graced by her teaching everyday. She had a quote on her door that I read daily that said something similar to this.... "Inside every child is a gift waiting to be opened." Bless you Donna for teaching and helping the children to blossom. Condolences to the family.
-
Patty Fassnacht
May 22, 2014
Donna was a very special teacher at Cocalico she was loved by many people parents and students and other fellow teachers. She will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers are with her family. RIP Donna
Krysten (Gasper) McGovern
May 22, 2014
Brian, Uncle Ray and family-So sorry to hear of Donna's passing. I will always remember the fun times we had dancing at Brian, Dave and Jeff's weddings! She will be missed!
Brittany Graybill
May 22, 2014
Mrs. Harpster came and visited me in the hospital when I had head surgery during the school year that I had her for second grade. She brough a HUGE basket filled with presents. she was always thinking of others before herself and I will forever be grateful for her kind words and loving personality. You will be missed by so many!
Brittany Boggs-Reber
May 21, 2014
Mrs. Harpster was my kindergarten and 2nd grade teacher. She was a beautiful woman with such a kind heart. I will never forget her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this sad time.
Kathy Martzall
May 21, 2014
My son Ray had Mrs. Harpster for 2nd grade. He loved her very much! Mrs. Harpster knew each of her students weakness and she took that weakness and helped that student to succeed! I also loved going in and helping out in her class. She made me wish I had a teacher like her when I was in school! She will be missed by everyone who's heart she touched! God has a very special angel with him now and I bet she will still watch over all of her children! One day we will meet again until then you will be missed very much! <3 Thoughts and prayers go out to Brian and all her family members at this time!
Allie Bohlander
May 21, 2014
Thinking of you & the family during this sad time. Donna will be greatly missed. With love & prayers-
Alece Coulman
May 21, 2014
Dr. Harpster, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. You always spoke so lovingly of Donna.
Holly Dawson
May 21, 2014
Mrs Harpsters was my 2nd grade teacher! She was my rock that year! It was a tough year for me with my parents getting divorced and my grandmother passing away! She made me feel like I was her own grand child! Rest in peace! You truly were a blessing and an angel!
May 21, 2014
Ms.Wickert was a caring, nurturing, loving teacher that touched so many lives. Our prayers are with the family. Ms. Wickert will be missed.
Pam Gehman
Craig Long
May 21, 2014
My condolences to all of Donna's family. She was truly an extraordinary person.
May 21, 2014
Ms. Wickert was one wonderful teacher ! What an impact on so many students, we will miss you & thank God for your LOVE for all your "children"
Cindy Stoudt
May 21, 2014
Brian, I am so sorry. I loved taking care of Donna. She was such a joy. Never complained. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
May 21, 2014
Donna was my teacher at Schoeneck Elementary. What a great lady! She always made me feel like I was her favorite student and that I could do whatever I wanted to do in life. I loved seeing her around town in my adult years. Always made me feel special. What a great legacy she has left in all of us! She will be missed!
Amanda Flory
May 21, 2014
Mrs. Harpster was loved by many and will be missed by us all! I became a teacher to follow in her foot steps after remembering how great of a teacher she was to me. She was an inspiring, dedicated, loving teacher who comforted all of her children's needs! My favorite part of her class was definitely giving the back rubs! Thinking and praying for you and your family as they to remember the beautiful you!
Deb Adair (Ludwig)
May 21, 2014
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED This Lady!!! She was an awesome person and teacher! She always remembered us and gave us hugs as well. I had the privilege of having her as my teacher and my son had her as well. Will always remember her smile and caring ways. Rest well dear friend.
Taimi Moyer
May 21, 2014
The most compassionate and caring teacher ever!! My daughter, who had some learning disabilities, had her for 2nd grade. Mrs. Harpster always encouraged her, and us, with positive reinforcements to see her progress. You will be greatly missed here, but boy has Heaven gained an amazing ANGEL!!
Meg Moellenberndt-Trout
May 21, 2014
Donna was my kindergarten teacher. I will always remember how caring she was. I now teach Special Education Preschool and I hope I leave a special memory in each on of my students heart as Donna did with me. I am sure she made a big impact on so many lives and each of us have so many memories of her that we will carry with us and share .
Thank you, Donna for being a wonderful teacher and having an impact on my life. You will be missed by so many!!!
Jim Moellenberndt
May 21, 2014
Donna was my daughter's Kindergarten teacher and she was wonderful. We will miss her.
Briana Meckley
May 21, 2014
Mrs. Harpster has definitely earned her angel wings. She was my first grade teacher at Reinholds, and my son's second grade teacher at Denver. Our favorite teacher ever! Will never forget story time and rubbing her shoulders until she would doze off. Then sneak out our direct door to the play ground. Good times! I'm sure she won't rest in heaven. She will be too busy watching over all her kids, but that is how she likes it. We all loved her. Miss you Mrs Harpster.
Martha Moellenberndt
May 21, 2014
Donna was a wonderful person and teacher. My daughter was privileged to have had her as a kindergarten teacher and I was honored to work in the same building with her and see her smiling face each day. We often think of Donna and will always hold her dear to our hearts.
Mary Getz
May 21, 2014
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Mandi Buchter Kohl
May 21, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with her family. She was an amazing teacher. My favorite memory her true passion for her " kids" us students . I was in her kindergarten class that had the birthday party for her across the street at my house. She will truely be missed.
Kathy Helter
May 21, 2014
You touched so many lives & will be lovingly remembered by us all.
Jennifer Endy
May 21, 2014
Donna was one of the most wonderful human beings I have ever met. She loved everyone, and everyone knew they were loved when they were around her. I'm honored to have had the priviledge of knowing her. My son had her in 2nd grade, and she meant the world to him to this day. He nominated her for a Teacher Impact award b/c he felt she was a REAL teacher. I've always said she is the only other person who loved him like I do. The world is a better place for knowing her. She will be greatly missed!
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