Dorothy I. (Stefero) Harhi

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Dorothy I. Harhi, a devoted mother and grandmother, on March 21 at The Heritage of Green Hills Memory Care Center.

Dorothy was born September 1, 1931, in Gilberton, PA. She was the daughter of Michael and Helen Stefero. She will always be remembered for her unwavering kindness to all who knew her and the love she poured into her family, as she was always one to put others before herself.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Dell'Elmo, her son-in-law, Robert Dell'Elmo, and her beloved granddaughter, Victoria Dell'Elmo. Other survivors include her brother Thomas Stefero of Yorba Linda, CA, her sister-in-law Pat Zinn of Mechanicsburg, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved high school sweetheart and husband of 56 years, Charles Harhi, her parents, Michael and Helen Stefero, and her sister, Rose Jennings.

Dorothy graduated from Gilberton High School and Ashland State Nursing School, Ashland, PA, where she earned her BSN and went on to become a licensed RN. After graduation, she worked in hospitals in New York City and State College, PA, before settling in Reading, PA, with her husband, Charles. Once settled in Reading, she served as a nurse at St. Joseph's Hospital and then as a private duty nurse.

Dorothy loved trips to the New Jersey shore, especially Atlantic City, as she enjoyed the slots. When not at the shore, she spent many days tending to her garden with great care, as she had a fondness for nature, especially the birds, squirrels, deer, and chipmunks that littered her backyard at dinner time. Dorothy also loved to listen to Barbara Streisand and play cards. She was a phenomenal baker, making the best homemade chocolate cake that was the centerpiece of so many celebrations for family and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff of The Heritage at Green Hills Memory Center and Bayada Hospice Care for all the love they gave Dorothy while she was in their care. We cannot thank you enough for treating Mom like your own.

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Heritage of Green Hills, C/O Employment Benefit Fund, 400 Tranquility Lane, Shillington, PA 19607 (note: in memory of Dorothy Harhi) Lutz Funeral Home, Inc., 2100 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading, PA 19606 is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.LutzFuneralHome.com