Harriet Fisher

Harriet Van Hyning Fisher died peacefully in her home on August 19, 2017. Born to Robert and Hazel Van Hyning and sister to Alice Van Hyning Healy, she is survived by two sons; Robert and Charlie and daughter in law; Sandi Fisher and grandchildren: Katherine Fisher Fisne, Abigail Fisher, Hannah Fisher and great-granddaughter, Olivia Fisne. Harriet was born in East Orange, NJ on July 22, 1928. As a teenager, Harriet spent her summers on a farm in Sergeantsville and attended Holquist School (now Solebury School). Harriet worked in the medical field during her youth and although she was a debutant, she fell in love with the handsome local dairy farmer, Henry Fisher. They first met and later wed at the Sergeantsville United Methodist Church on September 3, 1950. The wedding was followed by an engagement party at Paul Whiteman's country home. Harriet and Henry bore 3 sons; Henry Fisher Jr. who died very young, Robert Fisher who resides in Michigan, and Charlie Fisher who lives in Sergeantsville NJ. Henry and Harriet remained on their dairy farm and lived a long and happy life together for 57 years. Her cooking was legendary as were her big parties. Harriet was known for her rare cats as well as her menagerie of barn cats. She leaves Buttercup, Beigie, Coco and Miss Chips behind. Harriet loved music and was the junior/senior choir director for years at the Sergeantsville Methodist Church. She was also a Sunday school director for many years teaching children about God using music, plays and fun to shape young minds. She was often seen with a car full of kids going to choir rehearsal. Later in life she sang with her church choir, and the Delaware Valley Music Club, being known for her solos. She sang in retirement homes and at weddings until her death. She worked for Social Services and Easter Seals well into her eighties. Harriet started a charity which ran for over 40 years called Thanksgiving in the Country. This organization was a huge undertaking in which the entire town and community would generously participate in helping to raise funds for Facial Reconstruction at Children's Hospital in Philadelphia. In that time, they raised over $600,000. Harriet had a spirit of boundless energy and zest for life. She was like a mother to many fortunate enough to have known her. She will be missed but her spirit lives on. Donations can be made in her name to The Facial Reconstruction Unit at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia or the Sergeantsville United Methodist Church. Funeral services officiated by the Rev. Lin Smallwood will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at Sergeantsville United Methodist Church, 624 Rosemont Ringoes Rd, Stockton, NJ 08559. Interment will follow in Rosemont Cemetery in Rosemont NJ. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.