1911 – 2014

CANTON — Zelda Abby Harnden, 103, of Strong passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Victorian Villa in Canton.

She was born in Phillips on May 26, 1911, the daughter of Frank and Rose (Wing) Harnden. She attended Phillips schools and graduated from Wilton Academy with the Class of 1929, then went on to graduate from Farmington State Normal School with the Class of 1931. On Dec. 31, 1933, Zelda married Filmore Harnden in Phillips, and he died in 1980. In her early years, she worked at Diamond Match Company in Phillips and later she was a homemaker, being very active in several organizations.

Zelda was a member of the Phillips Congregational Church, Ladies Social Union, Phillips and Strong Historical Societies, Phillips Area Garden Club, Strong Senior Citizens, Strong Extension Homemakers, Oppalunski Chapter Order of Eastern Star in Strong, Queen Street Congregational Church in Bristol, Conn., and the Wing Family of America. She also served as a 4H leader in Phillips and a Girl Scout leader in Bristol, Conn.

Zelda enjoyed reading, knitting for “Warm Up America,” genealogy, playing cards and was an avid Red Sox fan. She was a recipient of the Boston Post Cane in Strong.

She is survived by her daughter, Erla J. Cabiya of Bristol, Conn.; her daughter in-law, Elizabeth Harnden; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Filmore H. Harnden; her son, Errol F. Harnden; her stepson Rodney D. and wife, Emma Harnden; and her grandson, Errol F. Harnden Jr.