Joan Harf

Joan Harf, age 91, of Erie, died, Sunday March 7, 2021 at Springhill’s Senior Living’s ForestView.

She was born in Hamot Hospital on May 6, 1929, the daughter of the late Louis and Tillie Oster.  Joan graduated from Academy High School in 1947, and Mercyhurst College in 1951 with a degree in education.  On September 23, 1951, Joan married her sweetheart of many years, Walter Harf.  For their many years of togetherness they called each other “Lover”.  Achievements within the Harf Families point directly to Joan’s positive parenting skills.

Joan is survived by her husband, Walter, sons, David Gadharf and his wife Nancy of West Bloomfield, Michigan, Michael Harf and his wife Susan of Roanoke, Virginia, and Steven Harf and his wife Leslie of Beachwood, Ohio.  There are six grandchildren: Joshua Gadharf and his wife Danielle, Isaiah Harf and his wife Dana, Julian Harf and his wife Lydia, and Joshua, Mikayla, and Zachary Harf; five great grandchildren, Jonah and Rylee Gadharf, Brody and Levi Harf, and Elliot Harf, and nephews Robert and Gary Sender, Richard Oster, and niece Louise Peterson, and “Family Members”, “Bobbi” Pollock, and “Ginny” Culbertson.  She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Oster.

Joan’s zest for life, her positive attitude, and wonderful smile infected all who knew her. Joan was tireless in her many activities.  She was the co-founder and president of two major Erie headquartered agencies, Hospitality House/SafeNet which addresses the issues of family abuse within families, and Stairways, whose emphasis is on mental health concerns.  Now, more than 50 years later, both are thriving agencies, continuing to actively function and serving our regional communities.  Her extensive community involvement included many years a Hamot Aid volunteer and Neighborhood Art House reading instructor.  At Temple Anshe Hesed, Joan was a religious school teacher, president of its Sisterhood, a Board of Director officer and Chairperson of multiple committees.  She was also president of Erie’s Jewish Community Council, the National Council of Jewish Women, and led the Hebrew Congregation of Chautauqua for many years.

Joan and Walter, both singular and together, were frequently noted for their leadership and philanthropic achievements.  Some were recounted at ceremonies of the United Way’s Alex DeToqueville award and the Saint Mary’s Ageless Remarkable Erieites festivities.

Joan and Walter were always holding hands as they enjoyed many U.S. and world travel experiences.  Each summer, for almost 50 years, the extensive variety of cultural and education opportunities drew them to the Chautauqua Institution.  Holiday gatherings with friends and family provide opportunities to enjoy and marvel at her grand cooking skills.  Joan enjoyed playing bridge, tennis and aquatic exercise.

Fortunately, Joan and Walter had moved to Springhill Senior Living Community.  Since 2019, Joan resided at its ForestView section.  The Harf Family extends its heartfelt sincere thanks to all the ForestView Associates for their many kindnesses and loving care of Joan.

Private Family Services at Temple Anshe Hesed on Wednesday, March 10^th at 10AM and can be viewed at https:/www.youtube.vom/channel/UC6wJ0s8mCMvotK-WIMXofTg. The graveside service will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery approx. 11:15AM and can be viewed at www.facebook.com/BurtonQuinnScott.  There will be a “Service of Remembrance” in the future. Memorials may be made to Temple Anshe Hesed, , 5401 Old Zuck Road, Erie, PA 16506, Stairways, 2185 West 8^th St., Erie, PA 16505, SafeNet, 1702 French St., Erie, PA 16501, and of course, your choice of deserving entities.

Condolences can be sent to www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.  Arrangements entrusted to Burton Quinn Scott Cremation &  Funeral Services Inc., 602 W. 10^th St., Erie, PA 16502.