Elsie Ellen Harding, a.k.a. Bonnie Harding, was born June 5, 1944 in Baltimore, MD and passed away September 21, 2026 in Millersville, MD. She was the only child born to William and Naomi Harding.

Elsie grew up and attended public schools in Southern Baltimore and Glen Burnie, where she was known as a feisty, little girl who could stand on her own. Often when getting school detention, Elsie would wait for the teacher to get busy, before sneaking out the classroom door to run home.

Elsie graduated from Glen Burnie High School in 1962. Immediately, after graduation she got a job with the Department of Defense at Fort Meade. MD. She had a career that spanned over 35 years. She was dedicated to her job at the National Security Agency where she received numerous awards and commendations.

Elsie’s significant other was Stanley Scholtz. Together, they made their home on Shore Road in Severna Park, MD. They were involved in many boating activities on the Severn River. After many years together Stanley passed away in 1999. Elsie volunteered several years at Heartlands Assisted Living where she organized BINGO activities. For many years Elsie assisted her elderly Aunt Isabelle who lived to be 102. Elsie was gifted at making beautiful floral arrangements for graves and tombstones.

Elsie was a believer in God and our Savior Jesus Christ. She loved Christmas Festivities and Decorations. She enjoyed seeing Christmas lights and watching Santa Clause ride through the neighborhood on Christmas Eve. She liked holiday treats - cookies, fudge, sweet potatoes, cheesecake. Elsie was a true Marylander with a hunger for Maryland Crabcakes.

Elsie was a lifelong cat lover. She had many cats, Minnie, Marcus, Pooh Bear, Bren, etc., and faithfully donated to an animal rescue in Annapolis. She felt it was unfair that none of her tax dollars went to help animals in need. She said that animals were on their own and depended upon donations.

Sadly, on December 21, 2022 Elsie suffered a serious stroke which resulted in her being bedridden. She was in hospitals and rehabs before relocating to a long term care facility. Elsie made friends with others in the facility, but Elmer was her best friend. He checked on her throughout the day, they watched TV together, and enjoyed each other’s company. Elmer smoothed out the blankets on Elsie’s bed, adjusted her pillows, and made Elsie feel special during this difficult period in her life.

Elsie was predeceased by her parents, Willian and Naomi Harding; Significant Other Stanley Scholtz; Long term co-worker Eleanor Risher; Friend Elmer.

Survived by her family Terry and Susan McClure; Joe and Theresa Miqueli; Adrienne Knight; and her precious cat Brindolyn Ellen Harding.

In lieu of flowers make donations, in Elsie’s name, to a local animal shelter.

A graveside service will be held 10:00 am, Friday, September 25, 2026 at Glen Haven Memorial Park, Glen Burnie, MD

Arrangements made by Barranco Funeral Home, Severna Park, MD