Elizabeth Jane (Hivick) Harman

ELIZABETH H. HARMAN STAUNTON, VA… Elizabeth (Betty) Jane Harman, 95, of Staunton, VA passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at Brightview Baldwin Park. She was born to Robert Andrew and Bessie Mary Hivick on May 20, 1920 in Cass, WV.  When she was five, her family moved to Harrisonburg, VA. She attended the University of Virginia School of Medical Technology and graduated from Madison College in 1942 with a degree in Medical Technology.  It was at the University that she met her husband, Dr. William E. Harman.  They were married for 73 years before he preceded her in death. Betty was a devoted wife.  Shortly after their marriage WWII broke out.  Bill, believing it was his duty to serve, entered into the Army.  During his training, Betty followed him to PA, OK, and TX, always finding work as a laboratory technician.  When he was deployed, Betty returned to Harrisonburg and worked at Rockingham Memorial Hospital.  After the war, she and Bill lived in Charlottesville for three years while Bill obtained his Pediatric degree, and she worked at the University’s clinical research laboratory.  In 1948 they moved to Staunton and made it their home for 67 years. She had a deep abiding faith.  She was an active member of St. Francis Catholic Church, where she was a coordinator of the Alter Guild and a member of the Catholic Daughters of America.  She also was a part of a non-denominational bible study led by Ruth Graham for ten years. Betty loved and contributed to the city of Staunton.  She was a charter member of the Historic Staunton Beautification Commission and worked with other residents to see Staunton become the beautiful city that it is today.  As a member of the Dean Holt Auxiliary of Kings Daughters Hospital she served in their local thrift shop.  Participating in the Park View Garden Club she arranged flowers for the Woodrow Wilson Birthplace as well as numerous weddings.  Her involvement not only with the Beverly Manor Daughters of the American Revolution but also the Thursday Morning Music Club, enabled her to be a part of groups that provided educational scholarships to high school students in Augusta County.  Additionally, she spearheaded a committee that went to court to put into law that no X-rated movies could ever be shown in the city of Staunton.  Aside from formal gatherings, Betty was often seen taking vegetables from her garden to the Valley Mission and flowers to people who needed, as she would say, “A little beauty in their day.” She was a lifelong-learner.  In her 50’s she took classes in German and Ornithology from Mary Baldwin College and learned to sail at Annapolis with Bill.  In her 60’s, she took five trips to Europe and completed three genealogies of her family.  Later, at the age of 80, she took a computer class at Blue Ridge Community College.  In addition to these accomplishments, she and a friend started a book club that continued for over 60 years. Betty will be remembered as a woman of hospitality who modeled Southern grace and charm.  She lived a life of generosity and devotion to others and was a woman who lived life to the fullest with exuberance. Surviving family members include her two daughters: Mary Lynn Harman Sivacek, (Jim) and Jane Harman Chase, (David) all of Staunton; six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. The family wishes to express profound appreciation and gratitude to the nurses and staff at Brightview Baldwin Park and Legacy Hospice for their kindness and support during the care of our mother. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. on Friday, January 8, 2016 at Henry Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Francis Catholic Church, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2016. There will be a private burial for family at the Dayton Cemetery in Dayton, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Francis Catholic Church, 118 North Augusta Street, Staunton, VA 24401 or a Christian church of your choice.