The community of Elk Township, N.J., was left stunned upon hearing the news of the passing of beloved former teacher Eileen Goodman-Tharp on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026.
Goodman-Tharp, born on Sept. 10, 1959, was 66 years old. She grew up in Clayton, N.J., where she graduated from Delsea Regional High School before attending Rowan University, back when it was known as Glassboro State College. Goodman-Tharp later received her master’s degree in education, publishing her thesis in May 1997.
Goodman-Tharp spent 45 years of her career teaching at Aura Elementary School in Elk Township, less than 10 minutes away from Rowan’s Glassboro campus. According to her obituary, she also spent her summers working for the Jamesway Outlet. Goodman-Tharp was previously married to Howard “Barry” Tharp Sr., who passed away in 2014.
“I had several of my colleagues reach out to me to tell me of Mrs. Tharp’s passing. And although I was initially so sad, all I could think of was how many kids she impacted in a positive way at Aura School. She was a legend there for many, many years. I was fortunate enough to be her principal for nine years, and I will remember the way she always tried to pull the very best out of kids and would do anything to help them see success,” said Wayne Murschell, former principal of Aura Elementary School. “Our small little slice of heaven in Aura and Elk Township is a much better place because of Mrs. Tharp and the selfless care she showed to all.”
The news of her passing was first made public on a Facebook post in the Elk Township Residents group. The cause of her death has yet to be made public.
Goodman-Tharp’s burial was held on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Hurffville, N.J., under the direction of the Barclay Funeral Home in Clayton, N.J.
“I never had Mrs. Tharp as a teacher, but after going to Aura for eight years, it was evident that she was a clear staple of the school. I feel like she never took a sick day; she was always there,” said Payton Mundorf, a senior radio, television, and film major at Rowan who went to Aura Elementary School. “It was clear that the kids were her passion, and being a part of the school district was more than just a career.”
Following her retirement as a teacher, Goodman-Tharp continued to dedicate her time to working with children as a summer camp counselor and Recreation Board Member with the Harrison Township Recreation Commission.
Shortly after the announcement of Goodman-Tharp’s passing, Harrison Township Recreation Commission Chairperson Alyse Dvorak and Recreation Coordinator Sharon Chew released a statement through Harrison Township’s website highlighting the good she did for their community.
“After a distinguished career as a beloved teacher at Aura Elementary School, most people would have considered their work done. Not Eileen. Her love for community and Recreation never wavered. She continued to give generously of her time and talent as an active volunteer on our Recreation Board, where her wisdom, dedication, and big heart guided our programs and events,” the statement said.
Goodman-Tharp is survived by her nephew, Michael Vasta.
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