– “Springfield Township role model”
– “Youthful Springfield Township inspiration”.
Camilla Harrington: A Life Well Lived
Camilla Harrington, fondly known as “Milly the Chanteuse,” was a beloved figure in Springfield Township. She was not only a dedicated poll worker and Republican committeewoman but also an inspiration to all who knew her. Her vibrant personality and active lifestyle made her a role model for living life to the fullest.
A Surprising Announcement
Although Camilla passed away on July 3 of last year, her friends and former neighbors only recently learned of her death. The news came as a surprise to many as Camilla had moved to Spring House Estates, a retirement community near Ambler, and had not been in touch with her old acquaintances.
Terence O’Neill, Camilla’s former neighbor, took it upon himself to memorialize her on the Mt. Airy Nextdoor website. His post received an overwhelming response from dozens of people who had fond memories of Camilla.
A Life Filled with Joy
Camilla’s calendar was always brimming with activities. Despite being in her 90s, she played golf, drove her tractor mower, hosted dinner parties, and even attended art classes. She enjoyed the occasional glass of red wine and would often have cocktail hours with her neighbors, as long as she made it home in time for her favorite TV show, “Jeopardy.”
When Camilla moved to Spring House Estates in 2016, she embraced new hobbies like bocce ball, yoga, and brain games. She even played the kazoo in the Happy Timers Band. But her true passion was Saturday morning golf, which she continued to play until the summer of 2022 at the remarkable age of 99.
According to her granddaughter, Jennifer Wagner, Camilla led a busy and social life until the very end. Just days before her passing, at the age of 100, she was still moving around normally and enjoying breakfast with her usual energy.
A Remarkable Friendship
Terence O’Neill, who became friends with Camilla when she lived near Flourtown, described her as a wonderful lady with a droll sense of humor. He and his wife, Kathleen, often spent time with Camilla and another neighbor, Jeanne Graham, sharing drinks and laughter in Camilla’s living room or Jeanne’s refurbished garage.
A Life Full of Adventures
Camilla Marie Harrington, born on June 16, 1923, in Carrolltown, Pennsylvania, had a thirst for adventure. She traveled to England, Italy, and St. Thomas, among other destinations, but never got the chance to visit Ireland, a place she had always longed to see.
Camilla loved going out to lunch with her niece, Mary Jane Rogan, and her relatives Cindy and Ed Depiera. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, she volunteered at Spring House Estates, helping wheelchair-bound residents make their way to the Thursday night entertainment.
Fond Memories
Camilla’s granddaughter, Jennifer Wagner, reminisced about the joyful times they spent together. From visits to the beach and plays when Wagner was a child to a memorable 90th birthday celebration at the Biltmore Estate, Camilla always made sure to bring fun and laughter to every occasion.
Wagner continued to visit Camilla every Thanksgiving and cherishes the memories of their summers together. One particular Thanksgiving, Camilla didn’t want to inconvenience others by asking them to move, so she crawled under the dinner table to make her way to the bathroom. Her energy and humor were truly a testament to her zest for life.
A Lasting Legacy
Camilla was predeceased by her brothers, Thomas Rogan and Paul Rogan. She was first married to Earle G. Boyer, Jr., with whom she had a son, Earle G. Boyer, III. After Boyer’s passing, Camilla married Norris H. Harrington. She is survived by four stepsons, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
A memorial and graveside service were held at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Freeland, Pennsylvania, to honor Camilla’s life. Donations in her name can be made to Make-A-Wish® Philadelphia.
Camilla Harrington will be remembered as a remarkable woman who embraced life with enthusiasm and brought joy to all those around her. Her legacy will continue to inspire others to live life to the fullest.
Len Lear can be reached at lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com
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1. “Youthful Springfield Township role model dies at 100”
2. “Springfield Township role model’s inspirational life at 100”.
