Harriet A. Essl

Essl, Harriet, 90, of Absecon NJ passed away on January 1, 2015. Harriet was born in Philadelphia, PA. She was a lifelong resident of Absecon, NJ where she and her husband Fred Sr. (predeceased) raised their four boys: Fred Jr. (Peggy Picketts), John (Gretchen Monroe), Bob (Sharon McGrath), and Michael (Donna D'Andrea). Harriet was most proud of her 4 sons, and was always her happiest when talking about them, and all of their accomplishments. She was a wonderful mother, and attended every game the boys ever played in. She was well known at Pleasantville High School for her support of her boys and the teams. Harriet had a long and happy career as a waitress at Essl's Dugout where she worked with her son, Bob, every day until she was 83! She was known to all who came into the restaurant as “Mom”. People were always amazed by her work ethic, and the Atlantic City Press even wrote a feature article about her when she was 79! Amazed that she was still a waitress, a career she started when she was 12 working at the Haddon Hall in Atlantic City. Harriet was an avid gardener, and also had a great love of dogs. She doted on her pets, and loved them as if they were her children. She was a faithful member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church where she volunteered much of her time. Harriet is also survived by her grandchildren Jennifer Essl, Bob Essl Jr. (MaryAnne Shrader), Patricia Bowdler (Jeffrey), Fred Essl III, Michael Porreca, Cory Picketts Terry, Samuel Picketts, and 4 great-grandchildren. Harriet will live in our hearts and memories forever, and will be remembered for unselfishly giving her love and guidance to all her children and grandchildren. A viewing will be held on Monday January 5, 2015 from 7p.m. To 9p.m., at Parsels Funeral Home, 324 New Jersey Ave., Absecon. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 591 New Jersey Ave., Absecon, and burial will be at Absecon Methodist Church Cemetery, Church St. and Pitney Rd. Absecon, NJ. For online condolences, please visit www.parselsfh.com.