Patricia A. Harper – Cochran Funeral

Obituary
Condolences

Patricia A. Harper, age 79, of 265 Main Street, Hackettstown died Thursday, September 10, 2020 at Hackettstown Regional Medical Center of Hackettstown, NJ. Patricia was born January 2, 1941 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin to the late Joseph and Angeline (Kumba) George. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother, Richard George and a brother-in law Robert Marx.

Pat, along with her husband Bill, was the Owner of Harpers Bakery, a family run business for 35 years in Hackettstown, NJ. She had a fondness for her many loyal customers and considered them all close friends. She proudly served her community as a member of the Town Council for two terms, and went on to become the first woman elected Mayor of Hackettstown. She honorably served as Sergeant of Arms for the NJ State Assembly. In addition, she served as Chairperson of the Hackettstown Municipal Utilities Authority, the Hackettstown Library Board and the Environmental Commission.

Pat also volunteered her time as a CCD teacher, Girl Scout leader, and delivered Meals on Wheels . She was always happy to help anyone in need.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, William Harper, 5 beloved daughters: Joan Repasy and husband Louis, Patricia Roehrich and husband Phillip, Angela Baldacchino and husband Angelo, Theresa Kuster and husband William, Melissa Harper. Seven beloved grandchildren, Joseph, Jessica, Julia and husband Gil, Johanna, Sean, Michael, Megan.

Sister, Mary Helen Marx, brother, Joseph George and wife Pat, and sister-in-law Judy George. Sr. Joan M. Harper, Jack Harper and wife Sandy, David Harper and wife Vivian, Rita Corbett and husband Patrick, Mary Doak and husband Howard, Julie Crabill and husband Steve and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Visitation will be held outdoors, following social distancing guidelines, on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 from 2-6 pm at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, N.J.

Immediately following the Memorial Visitation, the funeral service will be held at 5:30 pm with Dr. Rev. Frank Fowler officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to the Hackettstown Rescue Squad, Hackettstown Fire Department, or to a charity of your choice.

Condolences(35)

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Lester Snyder says
September 12, 2020 at 9:38 pm

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Pat…What a dear person and friend for so many years. Our Sincere Sympathy to the entire Harper family…Joy and Lester Snyder
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Sarah Binns says
September 13, 2020 at 12:39 am

So very sorry to hear. Sending my love . Thoughts and prayers to all the family! Hugs xoxo
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Kathy Rich says
September 13, 2020 at 12:55 am

To the Harper family, so sorry to hear of Mrs. Harpers passing. She always had a smile to share when she greeted you to the bakery. She will be missed by all of Hackettstown.
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Paul & Robin Wallace says
September 13, 2020 at 1:00 am

Dear Mr. Harper and Family
My Wife Robin and I were so sad to hear of Mayor Harper’s passing, our Town has lost a treasure, as Harper’s Bake shop truly was the place to hear and discuss the Town’s business,
The ambiance of your establishment made us feel like we entered the Family Kitchen, and the conversations we were honored to have will long be cherished,
We know these words are small comfort, and will pray our FATHER in Heaven through Christ Jesus our LORD will provide the shoulder to lean on and the Comfort you all need.’
GOD Bless you all
Paul & Robin Wallace
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  Judy O'Hora says
  September 13, 2020 at 10:52 am
  
  Prayers for Pat and family. Harpers was always such a wonderful gathering place for friends and the entire Hackettstown community. Love all the Harpers. Miss you all. Judy and Marty OHora
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Christopher Casella says
September 13, 2020 at 1:40 am

Mr. Harper and family
I’m so so very sorry to hear about Mrs. Harper .
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Christine & Chris LaBadie says
September 13, 2020 at 1:57 am

Bill and all the girls. We are very saddened by the loss of our beloved Pat. We miss her since we haven’t been around. Her love for the town will be missed. Having coffee every morning will never be the same. May God watch over your family abd guide Pat.
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Myling Roberts says
September 13, 2020 at 3:38 am

To Mr Harper and girls
I am so sorry to hear about mrs Harper and your mother … prayers for the family … I love and miss yall so much
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Mary Shea says
September 13, 2020 at 4:25 am

So very sorry to hear this AngelA and family. Prayers to you and your family. 🙏🏻🙏🏻♥️♥️
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Mary Shea says
September 13, 2020 at 4:31 am

So very sorry for the Harper family. Call me AngelA! 🙏🏻🙏🏻♥️
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Krystie says
September 13, 2020 at 6:19 am

Bill, Melissa and the rest of your family, we at the Moose heard of Pat’s passing only today. I cannot tell you how sad we are for your loss. Our members tonight talked about how amazing Pat was. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.
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Timothy Wallace says
September 13, 2020 at 10:44 am

Mr Harper and Family,

I am greatly saddened to hear of Mrs Harper’s passing. One of our traditions was always to shoot over to the bakery when visiting mom and dad, and that became a visit as well. Not only was the food delicious, but so was the catching up on things of our hometown, whose pulse she always had her finger upon.

My God comfort you during this time of sorrow and loss.

Tim and Theresa Wallace
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Judy O'Hora says
September 13, 2020 at 10:53 am

Prayers for Pat and family. Harpers was always such a wonderful gathering place for friends and the entire Hackettstown community. Love all the Harpers. Miss you all. Judy and Marty OHora
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Jannie P Pelcher says
September 13, 2020 at 11:54 am

Dear Harper Family,

We are so very sorry for your loss. Mrs. Harper was an icon in our town and she will be missed dearly. Words cannot convey how sorry we are.

Jannie Park Pelcher and Family
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Joan Stevens Johnson says
September 13, 2020 at 1:20 pm

Mr Harper, girls and family. My deepest condolences to you all. I have such fond memories of your Mother and your entire family. Praying for you all.
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Washburne Wright says
September 13, 2020 at 2:38 pm

Pat was one of the nicest ladies I have ever known. She was a leader of her community and helped make Hackettstown a great place to live.
Bernadette and Washburne Wright
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Joy Snyder says
September 13, 2020 at 2:38 pm

Memories of Pat and family over the years and all of our kids growing up together…She was Mayor of Hackettstown when my husband retired from Hackettstown Police and I have a photo over his desk of her presenting him with a commendation letter at his retirement dinner in 1990…We can look at her smiling face everyday now and remember what a wonderful, kind and great friend she always was…Our Sincere Condolences to the entire Harper Family. Joy and Les Snyder
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holly falzarano says
September 13, 2020 at 11:10 pm

I will never forget Pat Harper. She was always so kind to my mom as well as my own family. Will always miss her cinnamon raisin bagels. She was a pioneer. Love her much!
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Ray & Angie Lemasters says
September 14, 2020 at 1:56 pm

Our condolences to the entire Harper family. Pat’s contributions to the community were many. Through the bakery she and Bill were supportive of many organizations.
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EILEEN CORNELL says
September 14, 2020 at 10:36 pm

Bill, Melissa and girls- Our deepest condolences to you all in the loss of your family matriarch. Rodger and I featured so many of your delicious baked goods over the years at our restaurant- from wedding and shower cakes to Irish soda bread to Christmas cookies to name just a few. Pat was always available to help with a special request, even when I had to call her at home. She will be sorely missed by the town of Hackettstown, and always remembered by all. Heaven has indeed gained a extraordinary Angel <3
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CHICK and Linda Dimiceli says
September 14, 2020 at 10:39 pm

Condolences to the Harper family Sorry to hear the passing of Pat.She was a great friend for such a long time.Will miss our little talks. God bless
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Claudia Conway and Butch Petersen says
September 15, 2020 at 2:58 pm

Our deepest sympathies to the family. We will always remember Pat’s smiling face and welcome when we came to the Bagel Shop. She was truly a dear person. She was an amazing mayor and always had the town’s best interest at heart. She will sorely be missed. God Bless and take care.
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CIndy Reeves says
September 15, 2020 at 4:01 pm

My family lived across the street from the Harper Family on Church Street for many years. I have very fond memories of Pat, Bill and the girls – and even though it’s been many years since I’ve seen them, they’ll always have a place in my heart. My condolences to the family, and RIP Pat. You were such a community minded person and the you served the town well.
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Bonnie Palma says
September 16, 2020 at 12:23 am

My condolences and prayers to all the Harper family
I have many fond memories of Pat as my home room mother
during the Kindergarten years for the girls. She brought much joy to
everyone.
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Bill & Abby Conforti says
September 16, 2020 at 4:20 pm

Bill and the girls,
Abby and I are deeply saddened by your loss. Pat will always be in our prayers. May God bless.
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Patricia Cooke says
September 16, 2020 at 6:00 pm

Most sincere condolences to the Harper family. When girls were in Kindergarten Pat was homeroom mother. We had a wonderful relationship and fantastic class trips that she helped chaperone. Too sad….too soon!! 💕💕
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Laura Iacampo says
September 16, 2020 at 6:44 pm

Sending our love and prayers to the Harper family and their loved ones. Mrs. Harper was so close to our mother (-in-law), Janet–a dear friend. She is someone we admire greatly for her commitment to public service, her entrepreneurship, and her love of family! Rest in peace, Mrs. Harper. We are certain our Heavenly father has welcomed you saying “Well done good and faithful servant.” She will be missed…praying for you all…Laura, Vinnie and Basil Iacampo
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David Klemm says
September 17, 2020 at 12:31 am

Bill, So sorry to hear the news, My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
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Joe Easty says
September 18, 2020 at 2:26 pm

It was a honor to call Mrs Harper my neighbor for many years. Lots of fond memories growing up. My deepest condolences to the entire Harper Family. I would have stopped by if I knew sooner.
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Michael kietrys says
September 20, 2020 at 1:48 pm

Patty so sorry there about your mom.
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Rita & Jerry Berkowitz says
September 21, 2020 at 3:53 pm

Our hearts and prayers are with your wonderful family as you deal with this painful loss. Her warmth touched everyone who knew her.
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Loretta Casella says
September 23, 2020 at 1:25 pm

Dear Bill and Girls Mike and I were so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. I will always remember having coffee in the shop every day before going to work. We had a group that meets every day and we called it the Harper’s Coffee club. May God give you all the love and prayers. Loretta and Mike Casella
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Debra Eckel Walsh says
September 25, 2020 at 6:16 pm

Angela and the Harper Family— My sincere condolences .
I remember Pat as a very giving lady who spread fun and love around. I will always remember a first grade Halloween she was Mrs Iacampo were Raggedy Ann and Andy. I’m sure heaven is quite a bit livelier.
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Ian Hughes says
September 28, 2020 at 10:24 am

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Harper family. I always loved going to Harper’s Bakery when I would return to Hackettstown and Pat would make you feel like you were right at home.
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Debbie (Laue) Baughman says
October 9, 2020 at 9:15 pm

Condolences from the entire Laue family in Wisconsin (and me-Colorado). I just found out this week from Betsy that Aunt Patsy passed away and I shared the news with my siblings. We are so sorry for your loss, Uncle Bill and the rest of the family. Hard lady to forget, even after so many years apart. We remember fondly our family trip so many years ago to the east coast to see all of the typical NYC sites and then to Harper’s Bakery and Hackettstown to see all of you at your house. I also remember when I was living and working in CT in the late 1980s and my mom (Carol) kept reminding me to take a drive over to NJ to see you. I finally popped up one weekend at the Bakery counter and announced myself as family and, of course, you all welcomed me with open arms. Miss all of the family times together – George’s, Laue’s, Kumba’s – the best! Take care. All our love to you during this difficult time.