Obituary

Harriet Maxine Aley, 73, of Beaver Falls, passed peacefully into eternity in the late evening hours of July 9, 2025, at Allegheny Valley Hospital in Natrona Heights, surrounded by her adoring husband and daughter, after an active and fruitful life that deeply touched many souls.

All through her life, Harriet was devoted to her family and shared deep personal bonds with her Church family in Central Global Methodist Church.  She was known for her good humor and loyal friendships. 

She was born on August 20, 1951 in Morgantown, WV to the late Grant L. Baker and Maxine F. (Southard) Baker and was the younger of two children.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald L. Baker. 

On June 21, 1986, Harriet married the love of her life, Charles R. Aley.  Together, they were blessed with a wonderful daughter, Christine, and built their family on the values of faith and love. Harriet dedicated her career to teaching and served faithfully for 43 years as an elementary teacher in the Big Beaver Falls Area School District, frequently teaching the grandchildren and even great-grandchildren of her original students.  She was known for her expertise, integrity, and tireless work ethic, characterized by the same determination and care that defined every aspect of her life.  Her work made a significant impact on the lives of her students, as well as to her community, leaving a lasting legacy that will be remembered for years to come. 

Harriet was a beloved friend to many, always making everyone feel valued and cherished. Her wry sense of humor brought smiles to the faces of all she encountered. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her memory will be cherished for the love and joy she brought into the lives of those around her. Her legacy of kindness and her ability to make people feel truly known and valued will forever inspire those who knew and loved her.

Throughout her life, Harriet was a fervent woman of deep Christian faith.  Her assurance in knowing the Lord gave her the comfort and peace to assure her family and friends that she would be alright and would see them again. She was an active member of Central Global Methodist Church in Beaver Falls, PA all of her life, where she faithfully served as Choir Director for more than 45 years.  During that time, she also served in a host of additional offices and volunteer capacities, including as President of the Women’s Society, Chairwoman of the Administrative Council, Secretary of the Board of Trustees, and as a teacher in Central Church’s Sunday School.  She had a zest for life, and loved her family, neighbors, and friends.

Left to cherish Harriet’s memory are her grieving husband, Attorney Charles R. Aley, mother-in-law, Lois E. (Teckemeyer) Aley, and her daughter, Christine M. (Aley) Andrews (Joshua), as well as her brothers-in-law, Douglas J. Aley (Ruth), and Glenn C. Aley; a niece, Amber M. Aley; a nephew Dexter J. Aley (Lindsay) and their son, Rowan J. Aley; all of Beaver Falls, PA, as well as a host of deeply loved Baker family and friends in Morgantown and throughout the country.  Harriet will be missed dearly by her family and friends, as well as everyone who had the opportunity to know her.

Friends will be received on Thursday July 17 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SVCS, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road in Beaver Falls.

She will lie in state on Friday, July 18 from 10:00 am until the time of services at 11:00 am at Central Global Methodist Church, 1227 Sixth Avenue, Beaver Falls, Pa 15010.

Private interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Route 68, Rochester, PA 15074.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Central Global Methodist Church’s Memorial Fund in Harriet’s name.