Rena Harding

ALBION – Rena Harding fell asleep in death in her home in Albion, on April 27, 2024.

Rena was born in Palermo to Leslie E. Bailey and Gertrude (Boynton) Bailey on Oct. 29, 1922. She was the fourth of five children.

She married her husband, Warren, in May of 1942, and together they had four children. They started a dairy farm in Albion in 1943, where she lived until her death. Rena worked hard her whole life on the farm to provide for her family. She was a dedicated caregiver to her husband for the last 30 years of his life.

She is survived by her sister, Natalie Coro, of Waterville; son, Eugene Harding Sr. and wife Joanne of Albion, daughter, Athene Fisher, of Oakland, sons Sheldon Harding and Neal Harding of Albion; seven grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren; nieces, and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Warren Harding; sisters Velda (Ethel) Penney, Verda Barnes, and brother, Melvin Bailey; daughters-in-law, Mozelle Harding and Linda Harding, son-in-law, Douglas Fisher; great-granddaughter, Heather Harding; and great-great-granddaughters Hannah and Hope Clifford.

Rena dedicated her life to Jehovah through baptism on Sept. 22, 2007, and became a Jehovah’s Witness, where she gained a whole spiritual family of fellow brothers and sisters. Her family was her life and her dedication to Jehovah meant everything to her. She constantly talked about the future hope of the Paradise Earth under Jehovah’s rule. She believed wholeheartedly in Jehovah’s Word, the Bible. In Job 14:15, it says that Jehovah longs for the work of His hands. She is sleeping, awaiting her Father’s call, she will answer! Rena loved deeply and gave all that she could to whomever was in need without hesitation. She will be sorely missed by those who loved her. Goodbye for now. ~ Until we meet again!

The family would like to thank those from Beacon Hospice for the love and support that was given to Rena and our family. We would also like to thank Rose Chamberlain for the care she graciously provided for Rena.

Visiting hours will take place at Veilleux Funeral Home on Elm Street in Waterville on May 3 from 5 to 7 p.m.

There will be a service at the Memorial Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses on May 11 at 1 p.m. Following the service there will be a celebration of life gathering at the Bessey Building in Albion.