Elizabeth Ann Hafner

Elizabeth Ann Hafner, née Harrington, born in Brooklyn, NY, on April 28, 1939, peacefully entered eternal rest in the early morning of March 11, 2025, after a courageous battle with health challenges.

Born to Alice Theresa Harrington, née Docherty, and Michael Joseph Harrington, both of Brooklyn, Elizabeth's life was deeply rooted in family and faith. She joins her beloved parents and nine siblings—Charles, Joan, Alice, Rita, Maureen, James, Michael, Mary Jane, and John—in the presence of God the Father, our Savior Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and all the angels and saints. She is also reunited with her former husband of 33 years, Franklin John Hafner, with whom she reconciled shortly before his passing, finding renewed faith and communion with the Church.

Elizabeth's legacy lives on through her devoted sister, Ann; her children, Mary Alice, Bruce, and Colleen; her grandchildren, Sean and Christopher; and her great-grandchildren, Kylie, Killian, and Declan. She is also lovingly remembered by her daughter-in-law, Anica (Bruce's wife), her granddaughter-in-law, Laurie (Christopher's wife), and Christine, Kylie's mother, whom she considered a granddaughter. Additionally, she Also Leaves behind 28 Nieces and Nephews.

A woman of remarkable strength and selflessness, Elizabeth left school at a young age to care for her bedridden mother, a testament to her unwavering dedication to family. These stories of her life, filled with love and resilience, will be cherished and passed down through generations.

Elizabeth was a loving and devoted mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her life was a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of faith, family, and a deep desire to share her knowledge. She nurtured those around her, offering support and guidance, and actively imparting her skills and wisdom. She believed in the power of learning and growth, sharing her expertise in reading, math, and writing, and passing on the joy of swing dancing. She cultivated an appreciation for the natural world through organic gardening, and nourished bodies and souls with her cooking and sewing skills. She even shared her enthusiasm for sports, encouraging participation and healthy living. She was not just a practitioner of these skills, but a dedicated teacher, eager to equip others with the tools for a fulfilling life.

Known for her warm hospitality, Elizabeth delighted in hosting sumptuous family gatherings, from expansive breakfasts and Christmas baking events to arts and crafts sessions and joyous sleigh rides. She had a gift for creating cherished memories.

In the summer of 1971, Elizabeth embarked on a new chapter, moving from Brooklyn to Goshen, NY. There, she embraced new experiences, learning to drive, cultivating an organic garden, and discovering the delights of local apple orchards, egg farms, and dairy farms. She found joy in exploring the natural beauty of her surroundings.

Born at the dawn of World War II, Elizabeth understood the value of resourcefulness and the importance of cherishing people over possessions. She instilled these values in her children, teaching them to appreciate the simple joys of life. She found comfort and inspiration in classic films and the timeless melodies of Bing Crosby, Engelbert Humperdinck, Glenn Miller, and classical composers from Strauss to Beethoven.

Elizabeth will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. We find solace in knowing that she now rests in the loving embrace and presence of God the Father, our Savior Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, all the angels and saints, and is joyously reunited with her family and friends who have gone before her.

"The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to St. Judes or Little Sisters of the Poor in Elizabeth Ann Hafner's name." 

https://www.stjude.org/give/planned-giving/charitable-cash-donations.html

OR

https://littlesistersofthepoor.org/donate/

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