Obituary for Harriet O’Daffer: Loving Wife of 66 Years to Phares O’Daffer
Harriet Gove O’Daffer passed away September 27 at Carle Bro-Menn Medical Center in Normal, Illinois, after a 13 year struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was 87 years old.
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 66 years, Phares O’Daffer, as well as her sister Ellen (Robert) Greeley of Eureka, Ill. and brother Jack (Jean) Gove of East Peoria, Ill.
Also surviving are Harriet’s beloved children, daughters Sue (Bruce) Thornquist of Downers Grove, Ill.; Sara (Richard) Marberry of Evanston, Ill; and son Eric (Stacy) O’Daffer of Sammamish, Wa. Harriet deeply loved her grandchildren, Jordan Thornquist, Dana Thornquist, Lee Thornquist, and Wesley Marberry (Chicago); Alison O’Daffer (Seattle); and Will O’Daffer and Henry O’Daffer (Sammamish, Wa). They also survive her.
Honored as a McLean County Woman of Distinction in 1996, Harriet 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.
Harriet loved her community, 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. Other cherished organizations were P.E.O and the Normal History Club.
After graduating from Illinois State University (ISU), Harriet 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 loved theater, the symphony, a good book, watching sports, playing golf and tennis, hiking, playing bridge, and experiencing a great trip. She was also a huge fan of the Chicago Cubs and the ISU Redbirds.
All of 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.
Want to Know More About Harriet?
Download a 24-page 80th Birthday Tribute to Harriet Gove O’Daffer written and published by Phares O’Daffer in 2013.