Verna J. Harvey Tweddale

Verna J. Harvey Tweddale

December 22, 1949 ─ February 11, 2026

Born in rural Middletown, Ohio, Verna Tweddale ─ beloved mother, Gee Gee, sister, aunt, and cousin ─ lead a full and blessed life. At an early age, she moved with her family to Indiana and soon put down solid roots in Richmond. It's here that she flourished in her piano talents and expertise, as well as her many activities at Pleasant View Jr. High and Richmond Senior High School. She was integral to the RHS Singers and the RHS Concert Choir for both her soprano voice and her piano accompaniments; and she enjoyed being "yell leader" for the cheering section at the Red Devils basketball games.

Verna graduated from Richmond Senior High in 1968 and from Indiana University in 1972, with a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Nursing. After marrying and starting her family in Indianapolis, they relocated to Philadelphia in 1986, where she continued to nurture and grow her family, while also serving as a dedicated Registered Nurse (R.N.) at local hospitals. Her family was always her most important and cherished treasure, and her pride in and love for her kids and grandkids shone brightly (no, beamed!) in her every conversation and thought.

Throughout her three-plus-decade career as an R.N., she served in several areas of medicine, ranging from general hospital nursing and maternity care to specialized care for severely burned patients and several years as an emergency room charge nurse (her favorite gig). Then later in her career, she paid it forward by teaching clinical nursing students at Abington Memorial Hospital. She just loved making a difference in people's lives.

Verna was a member of Gwynedd Friends Meeting for more than 40 years and loved the life-long friends she made there through the years. This foundation inspired, nurtured, and sustained her throughout good and troubled times.

She loved music of all kinds – whether listening to it, singing it, or playing it on the piano. She loved all types of performing, and as a very accomplished pianist, she could play pretty much anything just by "feel" (no sheet music needed!). She was also known to have led many a sing-along through the years. And to top it off, she had the very rare gift of perfect pitch.

Besides her family and music, Verna also loved dancing, reading, and creative writing. Sadly, she did struggle with some physical and mental health challenges over the years, but she knew that the Universe would continue to bless her and carry her through.

Verna is survived by her three children: Brian Tweddale (and wife Alaina), of Doylestown, PA; Elizabeth ("Betsy") Tweddale, of Philadelphia; and Benjamin Tweddale (and wife Kelli), of Broomall, PA – as well as her five granddaughters: Ava (17), Ellie (17), Scarlett (6), Maisie (4), and Gwen (2). Survivors also include her brothers Dave Harvey (Deb) and Tim Harvey (Rita); along with her sister Cindy Hankins (Lee), sister-in-law Betty ("Buff") Harvey, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter Susan Kathleen Tweddale, brother Paul Harvey, parents John and Wanda Harvey, and other dear family members.

Memorial details to follow. To honor Verna's life, donations made in her memory to The Ocean Conservancy would be greatly appreciated.

So, in this time of deep sorrow ─ and yet celebration of her life ─ we're comforted by her signature sign-off, "to be continued." And that, she WILL…

Arrangements are by the Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, Lansdale.