Erma Marie (Meier) Harding

Erma Marie Harding passed away at home on May 14, 2020, surrounded by her adoring husband, David, and her family.  She passed away peacefully in her sleep, after a sudden but brief illness.

Erma was born New Kensington, PA  on January 6, 1943 and raised in Springdale, PA.  She was raised by her father, Frank Meier, and her mother, Martha ( Schneider) Meier.  She was the baby of their three children.  Frank came to America from Germany in his early 20's, where he met Martha.  

Erma graduated from Springdale High School and Duff's Business Institute, Pittsburgh.  She initially worked in the banking industry in Pittsburgh and then became a full time homemaker when her first daughter was born.  She remained a homemaker until her youngest daughter was in 4th grade and she went to work part time in a Hallmark store.  She continued there and successfully progressed to become the manager of several Hallmark stores.  She left retail in 2000 to become a Head Infant teacher at Christ Lutheran Children's Center.  She continued her education while there to get her Early Childhood Credentials.  One of Erma's gifts was an exceptional ability with small children.  She helped care for many children who loved her, some of whom she was still in contact with.  She continued in childcare until she retired at the age of 62.  

David and her spent their honeymoon in Williamsburg, VA and fell in love with the historic town.  They returned often as their family grew, introducing their children, many friends and eventually their grandchildren to this place that was so special to them.  They became active members of 30+ years to the The Duke of Gloucester Society.  In 1979, David had a job opportunity and moved the family 500 miles south to a small town named Charlotte, NC.  They fell in love with the growing city and spent 51+ married years raising their family and enjoying their grandchildren.  One of Erma's fondest memories was going on an outfitter guided horseback trip to a wilderness area outside of Yellowstone National Park.  They camped in tents and ate from food cooked over a campfire. She often talked of riding her pregnant horse named Rosie!  Her other special love was the beach. They spend many of their early vacations at Myrtle Beach and then later at their villa in Hilton Head Island, always with an entourage with their family and friends.  She enjoyed her Uno games and lots of giggles that came from squirt gun fights, water balloon fights and other pranks while there.

Her style and class was always one her girls' envied and tried to emulate.  Her ability to decorate for every occasion was renowned!  She had a way to make every occasion special.  She enjoyed parties, fun and always up for a good laugh.  When she walked into a room, it immediatly lit up.   

She is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, David; daughters, Michele Lee (Jeff Chadwick), Christine Marie (Bill Stublaski); grandchildren, Foster Chadwick and Angelica Stublaski, all of Charlotte, NC. Also surviving are sister, Arlene (Thomas) Hand of Peters Township, PA and sister in law, Jane A. (Frank) Meier of Vandergrift, PA.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Frances (Frank) Meier in 2019.  She will be dearly missed by everyone that knew her. 

Her Mass will be at Saint John Neumann Catholic Church on May 29 at 1:00.  Her interment will be directly after, at Morning Star Chapel Columbarium.  The mass is open to only 50 people.  We kindly ask you rsvp to: stublaskifamily@gmail.com or michele.chadwick2@gmail.com.  Mom would have liked us to be in bright, cheerful colors instead of dark, However if you not able to attend due to the Covid-19 issues we will be Steaming the mass live for everyone's convenience through Saint John Neumann's Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Erma’s favorite charity: Humane Society of Charlotte.  The address is 2700 Toomey Ave.  Charlotte, NC  28203.  Due to Covid, we can’t have the reception, so we will be planning A Celebration of Her Life later in the year.  Please continue to watch Caringbridge for that information to come.

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