Harriet Schroeder Weaver of Willow Street, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully in the care of God on July 29, 2023, just 3 days shy of her 89th birthday. Born on August 1, 1934 in Quincy, MA, Harriet was the daughter of Erna Steinfeld Schroeder and Erwin August Schroeder. She grew up in Quincy and later earned a BS degree at Bridgewater State College. After a year of teaching third grade in West Hartford, CT, Harriet and four other teacher friends drove to Anchorage, Alaska via the Alcan Highway, where she taught fourth grade at the Ursa Minor School at Ft. Richardson. It was there that she met her future husband, Army Chaplain James S. Weaver, from Alexandria, Virginia. Harriet and Jim were married in 1958, the beginning of a union that lasted 65 years. After two months of travel in Europe, they established their first home together in Montclair, NJ, where Jim was Associate Pastor at Central Presbyterian Church. Their first two children, Linda and James, Jr. were born there. In 1962 the family moved to Princeton Junction, NJ where Jim served as Pastor of the Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church, and where their son Thomas was born. Harriet was active in church and community affairs and was a tutor in the West Windsor public schools. In 1977 the family moved to Bridgewater, NJ, and Harriet taught for fourteen years in the Pluckemin Presbyterian Church Nursery School where Jim was Pastor. She and Jim both retired in 1994 and moved to Lancaster, PA. Harriet became a Deacon at Highland Presbyterian Church, and she enjoyed traveling with Jim in Europe, and summers on Cape Cod and in Chautauqua, NY.
Harriet enjoyed time with her family and friends. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. Her interests included travel, time spent in the family’s summer cottage on Cape Cod, and weeks at the Chautauqua Institution in New York. She had a good sense of humor, read widely, enjoyed music and theater, was a superb cook and entertained with style. She did beautiful knitting and needlework.
Harriet is survived by her husband, The Rev. James S. Weaver, a daughter Linda Weaver Towe, wife of Robert Towe of Hockessin, Delaware, a son James S. Weaver, Jr. of Fleming Island, FL. A second son, Thomas Alan Weaver, predeceased her, as did her brother Norman Erwin Schroeder. She has five grandchildren: Robert Towe, Peter Towe, Stephen Towe, Michael Weaver, and Kristen Weinkle, and four great grandsons.
Her memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 17, 2023 in the Thomas Auditorium at, 300 Willow Valley Lakes Drive, Willow Street, PA 17584.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to Doctors Without Borders, Heifer International, or to the charity of your choice.
Marysue Huckabee says
Greg and I are sending our love to you all. Harriet (or Mrs. Weaver) as I knew her growing up (manners!) was such a special friend of the Wilcox Family. The joy and laughter we shared over so many years can never be forgotten. I love the photo of Harriet that you chose as it captures all my memories of her with her bright smile and contagious laughter. I know that Mom and Dad were on the welcoming committee in heaven and they might have even had a “slide show” to share all their wonderful memories as we frequently did. I treasure the friendship that we continue share even as us “kids” now become the “big people”. I hope you all feel the love coming your way over the miles. We share your grief because we loved so deeply.
Brad & Susan Zuke says
Jim –
Sue and I are holding you close in our hearts, and sending you love.
— Brad Zuke.
Kit Basom says
Here is a verse that my mother, Ruth Basom, spoke when her husband of seven decades died:
Music I heard with you was more than music,
And bread I broke with you was more than bread.
—Conrad Aiken
Dr. Gerald Rothacker says
Jim,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. We are deeply saddened to learn of Harriet’s death.
We were very lucky to have her as a member of Highland for these past years.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Jerry and Carla Rothacker
Helen Clark and son, Zachary says
To the Weaver Family,
Our sincere condolences to you for the loss of Harriet, exceptional wife, mother, grandmother, friend. She was, indeed, a remarkable woman! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Praising God she is happily resting in heaven. Much love,
Helen Clark and son, Zachary
(Sister of Patrice Yamato)
Maisie, Tony and Ctherine Tucker says
So sad to hear of your loss of Harriet – you were both so much part of our lives at Pluckemin Church for years.
Judy Hampson says
Just heard your sad news, Pastor Jim and Family. Our sympathies go out to you.
Harriet was so special, a wonderful person who related to all ages. We especially remember and miss all your years in Pluckemin and Bridgewater, and the people that you touched in Christian love.
Heartfelt condolences…Judy Hampson in Bridgewater NJ, along with son Craig, in Indianapolis , and daughter Kim in Carlsbad CA.
Fran Ojala says
Dear Jim,
Russ and I send our most sincere condolences.
Harriet was wonderful, caring, and so kind.
We were saddened to know of her passing.
Keeping you close in prayer.
God bless you and your family.
Russ and Fran Ojala