Mari Eloise Harding

Mari Eloise Harding, 67, died Wednesday, April 20, 2011, at the Carlisle Regional Medical Center, after a long struggle with declining health related to her heart and kidneys.
Born and raised in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, 21 Feb 1944, Mari was the daughter of the late Grant & Juvy (Black) Harding, to whom she was a very devoted daughter. Mari graduated from Williamsport High School in 1962 and later received a dietician’s degree from Mansfield State University. She had worked in various positions for more than 20 years at Masland/Lear Corporation in Carlisle, and for several years at the Book of the Month Club.
Mari loved going to the library, using her extensive reading to become a serious word-gamer and crossword puzzle devotee. She was a fan of history and “self-education” efforts, whether from programs on television, videos, or self-help books. In addition to her extensive Teddy Bear collection, Ms. Harding loved sewing and ceramics. Mari had a keen wit and an extremely dry sense of humor that would often take family and friends off guard. She said what she meant.
Mari moved to Carlisle in 1990 where she joined the First United Church of Christ and the Old Bellaire Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, #375, where she was Past Worthy Matron. She was a member of Auxiliary 50 of the sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War and a member of the Red Hat Society. Mari was loyal and dedicated to her mother who lived with her until she passed in 2005. Together they travelled the world including visits to Bermuda, the Panama Canal, Alaska, Hawaii, and Berlin.
Mari is fondly remembered by her aunt Ruth Koczela, cousin Jack Koczela, many cousins in Western Massachusetts, and across the country including her devoted friend, Hazel Kunkleman of Carlisle.
A memorial service for friends, neighbors, family and work associates, will be held on Monday, May 2, 2011, at 11 a.m. at the Masonic Center, 1236 Holly Pike, Carlisle, PA 17013. There are no calling hours.
The Hoffman-Roth Funeral Home and Crematory, 219 N. Hanover St., Carlisle is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ms. Harding’s name are suggested for the Bosler Memorial Library, 159 W. High St., Carlisle PA 17013 and the First United Church of Christ, 30 N. Pitt St, Carlisle PA 17013.