Obituary of Lois J. Harkenrider

Lois Jean (Watkins) Harkenrider passed away Saturday morning, March 7, 2026 at the Broad Acres Nursing Home in Wellsboro, Pa. surrounded by the love of the many people whose lives she brightened with her humor, warmth, and unmistakable personality. Lois was a devoted wife, mom, stepmother, grandmother, sister, and friend to many. Anyone who met her even once usually remembered her. She was born April 4, 1949 in Wilkes Barre, Pa. to the late Elmer and Esther (Burkle) Watkins. On June 23, 2007, in Wellsboro, she married Michael Harkenrider of Rexville who survives and resides in Mansfield, Pa. Lois believed in working hard and taking care of her family. She spent many years working to help support those she loved. Even later in life, when she did not necessarily need to work, she still enjoyed having a job simply to stay busy and have something to do. Sitting still was never really her style. Lois was a retired medical records bookkeeper for the Lancaster Health Center in Lancaster, Pa. When it came to travel, Lois kept things simple. While others packed suitcases and made elaborate plans, Lois would simply say, “Just need my pocketbook,” and she was ready to go. She was well known among family and friends for her delicious cooking and baking. Holidays were especially memorable, and Thanksgiving in particular was one of her specialties. Family members knew that when Lois was in charge of the kitchen, they were in for a meal worth showing up early and staying late for. Along with her talents in the kitchen, Lois was also a gifted artist who enjoyed expressing her creativity through her artwork. In quieter moments, Lois enjoyed settling in with some of her favorite entertainment. She loved crime shows and anything involving forensics, enjoyed a good action movie, and never lost her appreciation for the classic film The Wizard of Oz. More than anything, Lois will be remembered for her humor. She had a quick wit and a knack for perfectly timed one-liners that could make a room burst into laughter. Her sense of humor was sharp, playful, and always memorable. After reading obituaries about people with long and impressive careers, Lois once joked, “I’m going to have to build up my résumé.” Those who knew her would say she already had, just not on paper but in the countless lives she touched. Lois had a way of making people feel welcome, comfortable, and entertained all at once. Her personality was larger than life, and her presence left an impression that lasted far beyond a single conversation. She leaves behind a loving family who will miss her deeply, along with many friends who were lucky enough to share laughter, meals, stories, and memories with her. Lois’s legacy lives on in the stories told around kitchen tables, the laughter she sparked, and the love she gave so freely. In addition to her husband Lois is survived by three sons Craig (Nicole) Borland of Palmerton, Pa. David Borland of Charlotte, Maine and Douglas Borland of Wellsboro, Pa. 3 step children Krista (Robert) Tranquillo of Phoenix, AZ, Kathleen Harkenrider of Rexville, NY and Joshua (Lisa) Harkenrider of Monroe, WI. And 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother James (Jane) Watkins and a sister Kate (Edward) Sholonski, she was predeceased by a brother David Watkins and two granddaughters. There will be no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to a memorial mass Friday, March 13th at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rexville, NY with reception to follow. Memorial contributions in Lois’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105. Arrangements are in care of H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.