Funeral Homes in Columbia, PA

Facts about the city

• Some of the notable people born here have been: Dean Young (poet and author), and Suzanne Westenhoefer (actor and stand-up comedian).

Columbia, formerly Wright's Ferry, is a borough in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 28 miles (45 km) southeast of Harrisburg on the left (east) bank of the Susquehanna River, across from Wrightsville and York County and just south of U.S. Route 30. The settlement was founded in 1726 by Colonial English Quakers from Chester County led by entrepreneur and evangelist John Wright. Establishment of the eponymous Wright's Ferry, the first commercial Susquehanna crossing in the region, inflamed territorial conflict with neighboring Maryland but brought growth and prosperity to the small town, which was briefly considered as a candidate for the new United States' capital. Though besieged for a short while by Civil War destruction, Columbia remained a lively center of transport and industry throughout the 19th century, once serving as a terminus of the Pennsylvania Canal. Later, however, the Great Depression and 20th-century changes in economy and technology sent the borough into decline. It is notable today as the site of one of the world's few museums devoted entirely to horology.

Columbia Obituaries

It was noted by Harrisburg Patriot News on February 12th, 2022 that James R Obrien passed on in Columbia, Pennsylvania.  Obrien was 81 years old.  Send flowers to share your condolences and honor James R's life.

It was reported by Naples Daily News on February 5th, 2021 that Linda Barnhart passed away in Columbia, Pennsylvania.  Barnhart was 77 years old.  Send flowers to express your sympathy and honor Linda's life.

It was revealed by Washington Post (DC) on January 31st, 2021 that Carl Joseph Jr "Uckle" Roeser died in Fairfax Station, Virginia.  Roeser was 95 years old and was born in Columbia, PA.  Send flowers to express your sorrow and honor Carl Joseph Jr "Uckle"'s life.

It was reported by Sarasota Herald-Tribune on January 27th, 2021 that George L Beane passed away in Sarasota, Florida.  Beane was 96 years old and was born in Columbia, PA.  Send flowers to share your condolences and honor George L's life.

It was noted on March 23rd, 2019 that Cleon Russell Hilliar perished in Waverly, New York.  Hilliar was 86 years old and was born in Columbia, PA.  Send flowers to express your sorrow and honor Cleon Russell's life.

It was noted on June 24th, 2018 that Ernest W Daniels passed on in Columbia, Pennsylvania.  Daniels was 86 years old and was born in Des Moines, IA.  Send flowers to express your sorrow and honor Ernest W's life.

It was reported by Orlando Sentinel on January 22nd, 2017 that John Edward Stauffer perished in Kissimmee, Florida.  Stauffer was 90 years old and was born in Columbia, PA.  Send flowers to express your sympathy and honor John Edward's life.

It was written on January 21st, 2017 that Tammy "Meatball" Chaphe (Peters) perished in Marion, Virginia.  Ms. Chaphe was 44 years old and was born in Columbia, PA.  Send flowers to share your condolences and honor Tammy "Meatball"'s life.

It was written by Johnstown Tribune-Democrat on October 2nd, 2015 that Helen "Sister M Emmanuel" Palus perished in Columbia, Pennsylvania.  Palus was 90 years old.  Send flowers to share your condolences and honor Helen "Sister M Emmanuel"'s life.

It was written by Johnstown Tribune-Democrat on May 12th, 2014 that Mary G Decarlton (Werfel) passed away in Columbia, Pennsylvania.  Ms. Decarlton was 87 years old.  Send flowers to express your sympathy and honor Mary G's life.

History

Smith’s Algonquin interpreter first used the term, which means “People at the Falls” or “People of the Muddy River.” The Susquehannocks established villages just south of Columbia in what is now known as Washington Boro, as well as points as far south as modern day Maryland. The Susquehannocks had migrated to the area around 1575 to 1600, after separating from the Iroquois, a federation including the Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca, and Onondaga tribes. Population counts were these: in 1890, 10,199; in 1900, 12,316; in 1910, 11,454; in 1920, 10,836; and in 1940, 11,547. Smith estimated their numbers to be about 2,000 at the time. The word Susquehannock derives from “Sasquesahanough,” and was used to describe the tribe by Captain John Smith.

The official website for the city of Columbia is http://www.columbiapa.net.