Harriet Swanson Meola

Harriet Swanson Meola, 86, of Greenville, SC, passed into the presence of Jesus on July 8, 2024. Born October 2, 1937 in Bay Shore, New York, she was the daughter of the late John and Elsie Swanson. 

Harriet is survived by her children, Matt Meola (Tracy) and Beth Selby (Mark); three grandchildren, Ashley Miller (Clay), Marleigh and Hailee Selby; and two greatgrandsons, Bennett and Rhodes Miller. Harriet was preceded in death by her parents, husband Tony Meola, sister Diane Gaughran and brother John Swanson. 

Harriet graduated from Bay Shore High School in 1955, then attended Hofstra University. She worked as a stenographer at the Fairchild Corporation where she met her husband of 46 years, Anthony “Tony” Meola. She and Tony were married in Long Island, New York in 1963. They relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona in 1980 where they spent the next twenty years, before moving to Greenville in 1999. 

Harriet was a lifelong fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, loved reading and writing poetry, and enjoyed performances at the symphony and Broadway musicals. Anyone who knew her also knew of her love of big cats, tigers in particular. During her time in Arizona, she loved volunteering at Out of Africa Wildlife Park cuddling tiger cubs, feeding lions and assisting with wildlife shows. She was deeply proud of her Swedish heritage as well as her New York roots, providing many delicious traditional meals for her family and friends. 

Most of all, Harriet loved her Savior and was a mighty prayer warrior for her family and friends. She was an active member of Cathedral Community Church in Mauldin, SC, attending weekly Bible studies, hosting prayer groups in her home, volunteering at Vacation Bible School and singing in the church choir. She loved being a grandma and “GiGi” to her granddaughters and great-grandsons, and will be missed by all who knew and loved her dearly. 

A celebration of life will be held July 20, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Cathedral Community Church in Mauldin, SC.