Harriet Lodder

Harriet Lodder (nee Aeschbach) passed away November 2, 2011. She was 82. She is survived by her caring husband, Robert Andrew Lodder, Sr., her devoted children, Linda, Robert Jr., and LeeAnn, and her beloved grandchildren, Andrew, Laura and Lucinda. A life-long resident of Cincinnati, she was born April 24, 1929, to Adolph and Emma (Heitkamp) Aeschbach. Despite losing her mother at age seven and growing up in poverty, Harriet rose above early adversity with the support of a strong and loving extended family, whose religious life was centered at St. Peter's Evangelical and Reformed Church (now St. Peter's United Church of Christ) in Pleasant Ridge. She demonstrated a passionate commitment to education and social causes throughout her life. She graduated from Withrow High School in 1947, second in her class, editor of the yearbook, and member of Dux Femina Honor Society. The first in her family to attend college, she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Cincinnati, with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. Fresh out of college, she tackled a challenging job with Children's Protective Services. In 1953, she married Robert Lodder, and joined him in launching Lodder Photography in Pleasant Ridge, working side by side with him to build the business for many years. As her children began to attend school, she worked tirelessly to support and strengthen the school system, serving as PTA president, and organizing events that raised funds to build a library at Pleasant Ridge Elementary School. She also joined the forefront of efforts to establish equality and racial integration in the public schools. As for her own children, there was not a place she wouldn't take them, or a program for which she wouldn't sign them up, if she felt it would expand their horizons or teach them something new. Harriet's love of learning extended to an interest in history, particularly in the history told through antiques. She became an expert in the subject, working for more than 30 years with her dear friends, Betty and Aaron Tumen, in their business, Brass Eagle Antiques in Pleasant Ridge. She was also a long-time devoted member of Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church. With her expertise in antiques, she ran a vibrant antiques and collectibles booth at the church's annual bazaar for many years, raising thousands of dollars for charity. After her children were grown, Harriet pursued post-graduate work at Xavier University. Her intelligence, liveliness, generosity and sense of humor will be missed by her loving circle of family and friends. Visitation, a community gathering to celebrate Harriet's life, will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 from 6-8 pm at Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church, 5950 Montgomery Road. A memorial service will be held at the church on Wednesday, November 9 at 10 am. Donations in Harriet's memory may be made to Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church. Email condolences may be sent via www.vorhisandryan.com .