Ethel M. "Essie" (Roper) Harrison

     Mrs. Ethel (Roper) Harrison, 75; simply known as "Essie" to all who knew and loved her; a cherished member of Wilkes-Barre near the Hanover Township line, passed into glory the evening of Friday, November15th  while in the care of the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township, where she could no longer fight her surmounting health issues.

     Born on Thursday, September 8, 1949 in Wilkes-Barre, she was one of eight children to the late George E. Roper, Dorothy (Rodda) Roper-Belcastro and Primo J. Belcastro.

     Educated in the city schools, she was a member of the 1968 graduating class of the former Grand Army of the Republic High School, Wilkes-Barre.

    Until her retirement, Essie was employed as a machinist for Mideast Aluminum of Mountain Top.  Prior to that she worked for Stelmar Manufacturing as a sewing machine operator; worked the counter at Dunkin Donuts, now Dunkin at their East End Wilkes-Barre location and also was associated with Pretzman Ceramics.

    Due to her experience with Pretzman, and given the fact she had an incredible artistic sense when it came to crafting, Essie previously taught ceramics classes in her home for several years.

    In her spare time, she loved to cook and entertain.  She thoroughly enjoyed crafting as well as scrap-booking, but truly loved traveling with Frank; especially to their camp site.   She would take much joy and pride in making a variety of seasonal decorations for family and friends; (this funeral director being a proud recipient of several floral wreaths which adorn the entry of our funeral home).

    Devoted to her Christian faith, Essie was a long time member of the recently shuttered Albright United Methodist Church of Wilkes-Barre, where her husband Frank served as a lay preacher.  At Albright, Essie held membership in the congregation's choir; taught Sunday School catechism; was President of the Women's Friendship Circle; Past President of the Youth Fellowship; served on the Administrative Board and the Worship Committee.

    She and her husband Frank P. Harrison celebrated 32 years of married life together on July 9th.

    Essie was not only preceded in death by her parents, George E. Roper, Dorothy (Rodda) Roper-Belcastro and step-father Primo J. Belcastro, but she also bid farewell to sisters Roberta (Bobbi) Borum, Dorothy Bushman and Georgia Hughes along with brothers Anthony (Tony) Roper and James Roper.

    Left to cherish all the joy, friendship and countless creations she shared with all; in addition to her beloved husband Frank at home are siblings including George Roper and his wife Wendy of Mercersburg, PA; Alice Zimmerman and her husband Earl of Carlisle, PA; Nieces and Nephews including Melissa Roper and her children Aaleigha and Isaiah; numerous cousins, extended family and countless friends.

    Funeral services for Essie will be conducted on Saturday, November 23rd at 11:00 a.m. from the John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc., 625 North Main Street, where Frank and family members will share cherished stories of Ess.

    Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, 68 East Saint Mary’s Road, Hanover Township.   

    Relatives and friends may join Frank and the family for visitation and shared remembrances directly at the funeral home Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services.

    Those who cannot attend or would like to express online words of comfort and friendship to Frank are encouraged to do so by visiting Essie's memorial page at www.JohnVMorrisFuneralHome.com.

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