Florence M. Harkleroad

1926 - 05

Florence M. "Nana" Harkleroad, 83, formerly of Brackenridge, died Sunday, May 31, 2009, in the Alle-Kiski Medical Center, Allegheny Valley Hospital, Harrison Township, following a lengthy illness. She was born May 10, 1926, in McKees Rocks, a daughter of the late Frank A. and Florence M. (Fulmer) Schneider. She lived in Brackenridge for most of her life. She was a homemaker and was employed by Liberty Mirror for eight years in the '60s, Joseph Horne Co. in Natrona Heights for a number of years and Fashion, Hosiery and Swerling in Tarentum. She was a member of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Natrona Heights. She was also president of Allegheny Valley Golden Agers, a member of Highland Area Senior Citizens, Tarentum, the Ambassadors Club of her church and Brackenridge American Legion Auxiliary. She graduated from McKees Rocks High School in 1944. While growing up, she was known as "Honey Girl." Florence was a true survivor and faced many challenges throughout her life with an unwavering commitment to provide the best upbringing possible for her three children under, at times, overwhelming odds and circumstances. She will be missed by many but remains loved by all. Survivors include her daughter and loving caregiver, with whom she lived for the past 10 years, Carole J. Shoemaker-Kubla and her husband, James, of Natrona Heights; sons, William J. (Debra) Nidel, retired Lt., Navy, of Fredericksburg, Va., and Richard (Paulette) Nidel, retired Col., Army, of Waynesboro, Pa.; grandchildren, Jason Shoemaker, Richard Nidel, Chris Nidel, Michael Nidel, James (Megan) Nidel, Tracy (John) Monroe, Kevin (Emelia) Nidel, James Joseph (Brittney) Kubla, Camille (Chris) Kubla Carter and Rebekah Kubla; great-grandchildren, Hailey and Rachel Monroe, Deborah and Dennis Nidel, Kaiden Nidel and Jayden Nya and Anna Carter; sister, Jean Sobol, of McKees Rocks; and former neighbor and devoted caregiver, Mylissa Jones, of Brackenridge. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, William J. Nidel, in 1969; and second husband, William T. Harkleroad Sr., in 1999; and son-in-law, Harry V. Shoemaker, in 1996. A special thank you to the Rev. Thomas A. Wagner and Dr. Lawrence E. Ferlan for their wonderful care. Relatives and friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the DUSTER FUNERAL HOME INC., Tenth Avenue and Corbet Street, Tarentum, 724-224-1526. Christian Funeral Mass celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday in Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Natrona Heights, with her pastor, the Rev. Thomas A. Wagner, officiating. Burial will be in Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, Frazier Township. The family suggests contributions to Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1526 Union Ave., Natrona Heights, PA 15065. Visit: www.dusterfuneralhomeinc.com.