Veola Harper

Veola Beatrice Harper was born on August 31, 1928 to Mrs. Aarlina (Grant) Harper (dec) and Mr. John Ballard Harper (dec) in Clairton, PA. She graduated as Valedictorian from Clairton High School in 1946.

In 1950, Ms. Harper graduated with honors from Duquesne University having majored in Business Administration. Although raised by her parents as a Baptist, she converted to Catholicism while at Duquesne and subsequently moved to New York City.

In New York, Ms. Harper worked as an Administrative Assistant at CBS until she was able to secure an elementary school teaching position, a pursuit she enjoyed for decades. After obtaining a Masters degree from Fordham in Educational Administration, Ms. Harper became an Assistant Principal at PS 116 and, later a Principal at PS 107.

As an educator, Ms. Harper taught and inspired hundreds of students. She also mentored scores of teachers and school administrators.

Among Ms. Harper's hobbies were chess, Scrabble, crossword puzzles and playing both guitar and the piano. She was an avid attendee at Broadway plays and other cultural events. Ms. Harper was often accompanied by her beloved sister, Leslie (dec) who had moved to New York to join her in her new hometown. Although born and raised in Clairton, PA, Ms. Harper was a true New Yorker.

Ms. Harper was preceded in death by both parents and two of her sisters, Cora (PA) and Leslie (NY). Those she leaves behind to mourn include her older sister: Mrs. Leola (harper) Brown (OH); two nieces: Lina (MA) and Carla (OH) Brown; her godchildren: Leslie Ridley (VA) Troy and Brandon Sogluizzo (NY); her best friend and companion for forty-five years: Joyce Sogluizzo; and a host of other family members, former students and teachers, professional colleagues, and lifelong friends.

Ms. Veola Harper will be sorely missed. As a devout Catholic, may she rest in peace in the arm of Jesus!