Sandra Hafer Friedman

Sandra Hafer Friedman, 75, of Harrisburg, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2020 at the Homeland Center. Sandy was born on September 17, 1945, in Harrisburg, the daughter of the late George and Betty (Page) Hafer. A lifelong resident of Harrisburg, Sandy graduated from the Northfield School in Massachusetts and received her BA in Political Science from the Maxwell School of Government at Syracuse University. Sandy’s positive attitude, grace and incredible strength after a debilitating stroke was characteristic of the way she lived her entire life. Sandy was passionate about life and most of all her family, which included her children Margaret and George and four grandchildren, Page, Kate, Asher and Ainsley who were the light of her life. In addition to working for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in several capacities, her career was primarily devoted to fundraising as the Director of Development for The Harrisburg Academy and Penn State – Harrisburg. She made many enduring, life-long friendships in these roles; however, she was most fulfilled by her volunteer work – having served as President of the Junior League of Harrisburg and on the Boards of the International Junior Leagues, United Way of the Capital Region, Open Stage, Leadership Harrisburg and RSVP. In 2012, Governor Corbett appointed Sandy to serve as a member of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women in recognition of her commitment to developing and supporting economic and civic opportunities for women. Sandy was a loving sister, mother, grandmother, and a fiercely loyal friend with a smile that lit up the room. She loved international travel, was an avid reader of nonfiction and went to the movies every weekend. She will be remembered for her sense of fashion and love of makeup. Her friends will attest to her selflessness – driving some to doctor’s appointments out of state or providing companionship during hour-long phone conversations. Sandy considered herself a citizen of the world. Personal integrity and a dedicated community conscience were her core values. She is survived by many loving friends and family, including her daughter, Margaret (Mark) Goldberg, of Morris Plains, NJ; son George (Jimi Jo) Friedman, of Mequon, WI; and brother Joseph Hafer (Marki Cady), of Lemoyne. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, two nephews and a niece, whom she adored. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday October 26, 2020 in Mt. Moriah Cemetery, Strouse and Fritchey Streets in Colonial Park, with Rabbi Ariana Capptauber, officiating. In keeping with current health guidelines, attendees must wear face coverings and maintain appropriate social distancing. To honor her legacy, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Homeland Center, 1901 N. 5th St. Harrisburg, PA 17102 (www.homelandcenter.org) or to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, 636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 3A, Short Hills, NJ, 07078 (www.ChristopherReeve.org).