Harriet Gove O'Daffer Obituary (1933 - 2020)

Harriet O'Daffer, 87, of Bloomington, Illinois, passed away Sunday, September 27, after a 13-year struggle with Alzheimer's disease. A funeral service for family and close friends of Harriet will be 11:00 AM Saturday, October 10, 2020 at the First United Methodist Church, Normal, Illinois, with a limited number of seats available on a first-come, first-served basis for others who knew her. Pastors Kent and Kathy King-Nobles are officiating. Entombment is at East Lawn Mausoleum, Bloomington, Illinois. The family is receiving anyone who wants to pay their respects from 9:00 AM-10:30 AM Saturday, October 10, 2020, at the First United Methodist Church, Normal, Illinois. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all are required to wear a mask and keep a six-foot physical distance. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to The Baby Fold, Normal, Illinois. Harriet was born July 6, 1933, in Newton, Iowa, to Sabin and Mildred Gove, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Phares O'Daffer, as well as her sister Ellen (Robert) Greeley, Eureka, Illinois, and brother Jack (Jean) Gove, East Peoria, Illinois. Harriet is also survived by her beloved children, daughters Sue (Bruce) Thornquist, Downers Grove, Illinois; Sara (Richard) Marberry, Evanston, Illinois; and son Eric (Stacy) O'Daffer, Sammamish, Washington. Harriet deeply loved her grandchildren, Jordan Thornquist, Dana Thornquist, Lee Thornquist, and Wesley Marberry all of Chicago, Illinois; Alison O'Daffer of Seattle, Washington; and William and Henry O'Daffer of Sammamish, Washington, who also survive her. Harriet, honored as a McLean Co. Woman of Distinction in 1996, was a solid person who could always be counted on. She was admired and respected by her family, friends, and colleagues in her church and community. She loved the people of Bloomington-Normal and was known for her volunteer work and leadership at Normal First United Methodist Church, Unit 5 School Board, Illinois Symphony Board, Illinois Shakespeare Society Board, and the Board of her beloved Baby Fold. P.E.O and the Normal History Club were also cherished organizations. Harriet also was an outstanding fourth grade teacher for two years at Franklin School in Bloomington. Harriet loved music, and greatly enjoyed playing her piano and singing. She also enjoyed theater, the symphony, a good book, playing tennis and golf, watching Redbirds basketball and the Cubs, hiking, playing bridge, and traveling. All her life, Harriet showed her love, devotion, and support for her husband, her children, their spouses, her grandchildren, and her friends, and they loved her very much. Arrangements are being handled by Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, Illinois. Please view the obituary and share your condolences and memories online at www.calvertmemorial.com