Late Councilwoman Honored In Hatboro Ceremony

HATBORO, PA —The late Councilwoman Aleta Ostrander's legacy will live on at Miller Meadow.

Borough officials gathered Friday in Miller Meadow to celebrate Ostrander and dedicate a bench in her honor.

The bench can be found in Miller Meadow adjacent to the Gold Star Garden, a project that Aleta and Mike Ostrander played an integral role in bringing to life.

As residents of Hatboro for more than 30 years, Ostrander and her husband showed their love and passion for our small town through volunteering. They raised three children in Hatboro (Aleta, Erin, and Mike), teaching their family to be as involved in their community as they have been throughout the years.

Ostrander graduated from Temple University and worked in the rehabilitation department at Moss Rehab.

In her free time, she dedicated herself to making Hatboro a better place with one of her most notable accomplishments being her service on Borough Council.

Ostrander was first appointed to Borough Council in May of 2006 and served until December 31, 2011.

During this time, she served on the Public Relations and Community Information Committee, Public Safety Committee, Finance Committee, and Library Committee.

She was reelected to Borough Council in 2019 and served a second term from Jan. 1, 2020, through her passing in December 2022. During her recent council term, she chaired the Public Safety Committee, chaired the Facilities Committee, served on the Public Works Committee, and served on the Pennypack Facility Steering Committee.

Ostrander always had the best interest of Hatboro in mind and worked extremely hard to keep her community safe, enjoyable, and thriving. Aleta also devoted herself to helping transform the newly acquired Pennypack Facility and spearheaded the dedication of the Community Center in memory of long-time Librarian Harriet Ehrsam, borough officials said.

"Ostrander’s selflessness and kindness made a lasting impact on the Hatboro Community and all those around her. Her love for Hatboro and bettering our community were truly unmatched. This memorial bench will remain in Miller Meadow for years to come and will provide a place for residents to unwind as they enjoy everything Hatboro has to offer—just as Aleta loved to do," borough officials said.

Outside of Borough Council, Osvolunteered with the Hatboro Emergency Management Team and served as the president, vice president, and treasurer of the Union Library of Hatboro. Her love for community welfare did not end there. Aleta was a long-time member of the Red Cross and was a girl scout leader for eight years. Aleta was also a long time member of Heart 9-11, an organization that helps rebuild after natural disasters and assists communities who have fallen into poverty overseas.

"We thank the Ostrander family, Borough Council, Hatboro Public Works, and Administration staff for making this memorial bench possible and encourage residents to visit the bench the next time you are visiting Miller Meadow," borough officials said.

(Borough of Hatboro)