Edna Alberta "Bert" Harper

d. August 8, 2025

Edna Alberta "Bert" Harper Profile Photo
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With profound love and gentle sorrow, we announce the peaceful passing of Edna Alberta Harper, of Cannelton and formerly of Perrysville, on August 8, 2025, at the age of 85. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Alberta’s life was a quiet yet powerful testament to love, commitment, and care.

Born on June 20, 1940, in Cayuga, Indiana, Alberta was the cherished daughter of William Allen Isaacs and Mazie Levona (Shelato) Isaacs. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, William (Billy) Isaacs and Joseph Isaacs, whose memories she carried close to her heart throughout her life.

Alberta is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Jon P. Harper; her sister, Nancy Guilliams; and her three children, whom she loved and supported unconditionally: Trebbie Henson (husband Stan Henson), Tracy Tarquini (husband Brad Tarquini), and Todd Harper (spouse Dawn Light). She was a proud and deeply devoted grandmother to Andrea Williamson (Tarquini) and Tyler Tarquini, both of whom brought her immeasurable joy and pride.

A graduate of Cayuga High School, Alberta went on to study at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana. Her formal education was just the beginning of a lifetime dedicated to learning, nurturing, and giving back to her family and community.

Alberta lived with a “family first” spirit, always present and engaged in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and loved ones. She cultivated deep and lasting friendships, many of which spanned decades. She created a warm and welcoming home where love was expressed in countless small ways: a homemade meal from scratch, jars of home-canned salsa from her carefully tended garden, or the smell of fresh popcorn drifting from the North Vermillion concession stand, where she spent many hours joyfully serving students, parents, and neighbors.

Her green thumb and generous heart reached far beyond her own backyard. Alberta’s homegrown tomatoes were a beloved part of the community, often shared freely or sold alongside other fresh produce from the Harper Tree Farm and Produce Farm. She worked with and supported many local proprietors, building lasting connections.

She was a gifted gardener, an avid reader, and a skilled homemaker, finding beauty in the simple rhythms of daily life. Whether in her kitchen, among her flowers, at the family farm, or beside her loved ones, Alberta’s presence made others feel seen, valued, and cared for.

Her life was a steady model of grace, humility, and quiet strength. Though she has left this world, the values she lived by—love, service, family, and friendship—will continue to guide and inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Alberta’s visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM EST on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home-DeVerter Chapel in Cayuga, Indiana with a graveside service to follow in Hicks Cemetery in Perrysville. Ken Green will be officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hicks Cemetery in Perrysville. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Huber Funeral Home, Cannelton Chapel, and Sunset Funeral Home-DeVerter Chapel will be assisting the Harper family during this time. Messages of condolence may be left at www.huberfuneralhome.net or www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Edna Alberta "Bert" Harper, please visit our flower store.

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