Sara Rachel Wright Harley

Active volunteer, Trinity Episcopal Church member. Sara Rachel Wright Harley of Washington entered into eternal rest at 5:10 a.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2008. She was born October 3, 1916, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of Edmonia Johnson Stevens and James E. Wright. Mrs. Harley attended Pittsburgh public schools and graduated with honors from Schenley High School in 1935 and was selected to be a commencement speaker. She went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh. In 1938, she married George R. Harley Jr., who is deceased, in Church of the Holy Cross in Pittsburgh, where they both were members. In 1950, the family relocated to Washington County, where she joined Trinity Episcopal Church and became a member of Vestry and Lay Reader. She also served two terms on the Diocesan Vestry and was elected to the Cathedral Chapter. Mrs. Harley became active in various community organizations. She was president of Parent Teachers Association in North Strabane Township and was a member of the board of directors for Washington Young Women's Christian Association. She generously volunteered her services at Citizens Library, Avis Arbor and City Mission. She was self-employed for 40 years. She and her husband were entrepreneurs who owned and operated several restaurants and hotels in the Pittsburgh area. Surviving are two sons, George R. Harley III of Augusta, Ga., and James E. Harley Sr. of Washington; a sister, Mary Ann Edwards of Los Angeles, Calif.; four grandchildren, Dina, Gecole, James and Ginnae; five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday in Trinity Episcopal Church, 550 South Main Street, Washington. Additional visitation will be held in the church from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of services, Monday, October 27, with the Rev. Karen Stevenson officiating. Burial will follow in Allegheny Cemetery, Lawrenceville. The family suggests memorial contributions to Trinity Episcopal Church, 550 South Main Street, Washington, PA 15301.