Carlene M. Hafer, 90, formerly of Old Lycoming Township, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Haven Place, Lock Haven. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Robert A. “Bob” Hafer on May 27, 2009.
Born September 4, 1934, in Williamsport, she was the daughter of the late Harold L. and Bertha C. (Chambers) Hall.
Carlene graduated from Williamsport Area High School in 1952 and was known as the First Miss Millionaire, a drum majorette who led the band with grace and confidence. Carlene later graduated from the Williamsport Hospital School of Nursing in 1955, and then dedicated her life to the care and well-being of others. She retired as a registered nurse in 1996 after 25 years of devoted service at Lycoming OBGYN serving the patients of Dr. Randall Hipple.
She was a member of St. John’s-Newberry United Methodist Church. Carlene had many interests and hobbies. Her talents as a seamstress were well-known, and her love for antiques led her to an impressive collection of Cambridge glass. A voracious reader, Carlene could often be found with a book in her hands, lost in the stories and knowledge within its pages. An animal lover at heart, Carlene found joy in breeding boxers, sharing her home with these loyal companions.
Her creative and kind nature was also reflected in her community involvement. Most recently, she volunteered her time at the West End Christian Community Center, ushered at the Community Arts Center and served as a board member for the Williamsport Education Foundation.
Surviving are her three children, Marc S. Hafer (Peggy) of Scottsdale, Arizona, Susan D. Ritchie (Jon) of Orrville, Ohio, and Jane L. Penman (Todd) of Linden; eight grandchildren, Lisa Hafer (Ryan) of New York City, NY, Marianne Goschke (Amil) of Tiffin, Iowa, Christopher Bowes of Lewisburg, Lauren Clemens (Austin) of Orrville, OH, Erich Bowes of Linden, Kyle Ritchie of Wadsworth, OH, Samuel Penman of State College, and Kathryn Penman of Linden; and two great-granddaughters, Harper and Mia Goschke, both of Tiffin, Iowa.
A memorial service to honor the life of Carlene will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 12, at St. John’s – Newberry United Methodist Church 2101 Newberry St, Williamsport, with the Rev. Dr. Lori Betsworth officiating.
Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family in Twin Hills Memorial Park, Muncy.
Memorial contributions may be made in Carlene’s name to the Susquehanna Health Foundation c/o Obstetrics 1001 Grampian Blvd. Williamsport, PA 17701 or to the West End Christian Community Center 901 Diamond Street Williamsport, PA 17701.
Online condolences may be expressed on Carlene’s memorial page at http://www.KnightConferFuneralHome.com.
