Ella Margaret Haver

Ella Margaret Haver, age 104 years, of Franklin Lakes, NJ, passed from this life into eternity on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at home.

Born in Franklin Township, Hunterdon County, NJ, February 21, 1913, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Bonnell Haver and Elizabeth Fox Haver.

An educator and civic leader, Ella, played many roles in the life of Hunterdon County. She was born in Franklin Township in 1913, lived in Clinton for more than 50 years, and then moved back to the township in 1965. She graduated from Clinton High School, received a degree from Montclair State Teachers College in 1934, and her master's degree from Teachers College, Columbia University in 1945.

Miss Haver taught at schools in Hamden, North Branch, and Green Brook, and then -- concentrating on science, biology and chemistry -- at schools in North Plainfield, Cranford and Warren Hills. She also taught Sunday school for 80 years and vacation Bible school. After retiring from teaching, she obtained real estate and insurance licenses. The niece of Hunterdon County’s first "helping teacher" Jennie Haver, she became president of the Jennie M. Haver Memorial Scholarship Fund in 1971, providing scholarships to hundreds of students from county high schools. In 1988 the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce honored her with its Golden Award. Among her other civic activities, she served as senior coordinator for Franklin Township and on its recreation commission and board of assistance. Miss Haver was a member of the Hunterdon County Retired Educators, Council of Parents and Teachers, NJ Chrysanthemum Society, and Flemington AARP.

Ella was enthusiastic about life, people, flowers, cardinals, and on and on, but the center of her life revolved around her strong commitment to and relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She leaves a legacy of love and caring and guidance for all of us.

Surviving are her nieces, Mary E. (Bunny) Mygatt and Jessie S. Mygatt, both of Franklin Lakes, NJ; and her four special “girls” whom she helped to raise: Bonnie Loria, Kim Aboyure, Robyn Makombe, and Renee Ince along with their families.

Visitation (Noon) and funeral service (1 pm) will be held on Monday, March 6, 2017 at the Clinton United Methodist Church on Halstead Street. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery, Grandin, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jennie M. Haver Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Nicholas Boxter, CPA, Treasurer, 3582 Route 22 West, P.O. Box 464, Whitehouse, NJ 08888.

Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information, or to send condolences.