Theon E. (Firestone) Harding

YORK- Theon E. (Firestone) Harding, 94, died on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at her residence. She was the wife of 66 years, to the late Warren G. Harding who died on January 23, 2012. Born on July 19, 1927, in Dover, Theon was a daughter of the late Harry E. and Katheryn M. (Elicker) Firestone. She left high school at the age of 17 to work for the Campora Shirt Factory where she made shirts and fatigues for soldiers in the war before becoming a seamstress for M. L. Wehler paint store making draperies. Theon was also a caregiver to and helped raise many children in her life. Theon lived on 6.5 acres where she tended to her orchard and garden. Known as “Mam”, she always enjoyed feeding the kids vegetables, fresh fruit, applesauce and apple cider from the garden and orchard. She loved flowers, especially gladiolas and because of her love for farming and gardening Mam paid attention to the weather and always knew when it was going to rain or snow. Mam is survived by her son, Barry L. Harding and his wife, Roseann of York; her “adopted” family Maria & Mark Swomley and their four children Chris, Adam, Jonathan, and Luke as well as the many other “grandchildren” she raised; and her cockatiel, Willie. She was preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy Joseph. A celebration of life tribute service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd., York, with Fr. Jonathan Sawicki officiating. A viewing will be from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will be in Mt. Rose Cemetery. CLICK HERE TO SEND FLOWERS