Rheta Weisberger Harrison

Rheta Weisberger Harrison, a long-time resident of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and Pompano Beach, Florida, passed away on Saturday, April 29th, 2017, 3:20 A.M. surrounded by her loving family, at Silverado Memory Care Community in Highland Park, IL. She was 83 years old. Rheta shared fifty-three years of love and marriage with Dave Saul Harrison. They were married on November 11, 1956 and continued to build a life together until his untimely passing on June 27, 2009.

Rheta was born on January 10th, 1934 in Wilkes-Barre, PA to Kingston residents Harry S. and Jennie Iskowitz Weisberger. She attended Kingston Public schools and later graduated from Mt. Sinai School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse (RN). Later, Rheta and her family were congregants of Ohev Sholom Synagogue, where she and Dave encouraged their family to develop a love and appreciation for Yiddishkeit. Also, she was a lifetime member of Hadassah, and was active in the Ohev Sholom Sisterhood. She served on the board of the West Branch Tennis Club, and was active with the Florence Crittenton Home for Unwed Mothers as well as the West Branch School. Rheta was an accomplished artist, tennis and bridge player and had a profound appreciation for opera, theatre, sports, and most of all, family, which always played a central role in her life. She was also famous for her garden, pastries, and unique style. Rheta encouraged her children, grandchildren and anyone else she encountered to always be the best and most passionate that they could be in everything that they did.

Together, Rheta and Dave forged a lasting and meaningful impact on their community, the local schools, and everyone around them. Their door was always open to family, friends and the occasional stranger. She will be remembered for her zest, as well as the acceptance and encouragement that she offered with unequalled grace.

Rheta was a dedicated mother to her five children, nine grandchildren and continued to lead by example and strength of character her whole life. She is survived by her sisters Dr. Goldye Weisberger Meyer, Lee Weisberger Hollenberg, Lee’s husband Herbert, Karen Weisberger Scheck, and Karen’s husband Leonard. Her legacy continues with her children Wynne Harrison of Skoki, IL, Brett Scott Harrison of Philadelphia, PA, Samuel Harrison of San Francisco, CA, Zaq Michael Harrison and his wife Lauren of Baltimore, MD and Juli Harrison Bell and her husband Dr. Dean Bell of Chicago, IL. She is survived by nine grandchildren, whom she always cherished unequivocally and enjoyed playing an active role in all of their lives. They are; Malkaya Bell, Qeshet Harrison, Chanan Bell, Eyal Harrison, Liore Dygola, Baraq Harrison, Ronia Bell, Margea Dygola and Yair Bell. She also leaves behind numerous, beloved, nieces and nephews.

Rheta was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Jennie Weisberger, her husband Dave Saul Harrison, and her brother William Weisberger.

In keeping with Jewish tradition and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer Association, North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633. Planned Parenthood, 18 South Michigan Avenue, 6th floor, Chicago, IL 60603, or the Ohev Sholom Synagogue, 1501 Cherry Street, Williamsport, PA 17701.

The funeral services will be held for Rheta Weisberger Harrison at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017 at The Maneval Allen Redmond Funeral Home, 500 West 4th Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Burial will follow at the Ohev Sholom Cemetery and a reception after that Ohev Sholom Synagogue. Upon conclusion of internment, a traditional Shiva mourning period will be observed at her daughters’ homes in Skokie and Chicago.

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