Obituary of Flora C. Jespersen

Flora Campbell Jespersen of Harrisburg passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 21. She was 95 and a resident at Homeland Center. Flora was born in 1924 in New Brunswick, NJ, the second of four children. Growing up in the depression formed her behavior for many years. She achieved her undergraduate degree at New Jersey College for Women in 1945 and a second degree in Library Science in partnership with Rutgers University. She worked in the Rutgers Library where she met her husband Helge V. (Jeff) Jespersen when she sent him an overdue notice for a book. A six-week courtship led to a marriage of 69 years. Flora and Jeff had a long and happy partnership, and a life of service to others until his death in January 2018. Flora, while raising seven children, volunteered in numerous church and charitable organizations. Always the librarian, she spent countless volunteer hours at school and community libraries, especially at Kline Village. She was integral in the establishment of Shalom House, a shelter for single mothers, was an early and long-time supporter of the Central PA Food Bank, and rarely missed an Election Day working the polls. She served on the Board of Managers at Homeland Center for many years and enjoyed her time as a docent at the Governor's Residence and the State Museum. Flora never turned down a game of bridge or a chance to travel. She loved the learning, teaching and socializing both provided, and in bridge she played to win. She traveled worldwide with family and friends and hosted many international visitors with the Friendship Force. She had a special way to turn a phrase, was a force for good in this world and did her best to pass her values on to anyone in her universe. She is survived by her children Katherine Hill, Peter (Kathleen), Eric (Bernadette), Allan, Edward (Jolene), and Marian Harvey (Stephen), daughters-in-law Sharon and Marcia, 19 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. A son Neil died in an accident in 1998. Flora's funeral mass will be said on Friday, May 3rd at Saint Francis of Assisi, 1439 Market Street in Harrisburg at 11:00 a.m. Friends are welcome to call at 10:00 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Flora's memory to the Friends of Kline Village Library. The Campbell/Jespersen family is grateful to have had such a source of faith, light and kindness to guide them in this world. To all the Jespersen Family, please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of Flora, especially to my friends Kathy & Mimi. I am so sorry to hear this news. May you all have peace and wonderful memories. Sincerely, Terry To all my cousins and the entire Jespersen family, Our deepest condolences on the passing of Aunt Flora. My mother Molly and Aunt Flora, the two eldest Campbell siblings were always joined at the hip. She lived a long, generous and amazing life. I know that she and uncle Jeff are celebrating together again. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Much love, Jamie and Linda Smeaton My favorite aunt. Always a powerful presence in her many activities. May she continue to be as active as she always has. To my dear Jespersen family, I have such wonderful memories of our two families spending time together. Our parents had a beautiful long lasting friendship. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Wrapping you in love and warm hugs. Sue and Joe Ingraffia & family - Isabella, Nicholas and Louis