1916
2013
Rita Delaney Harris, 96, died on March 15, 2013 in Portland, Oregon. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10AM Friday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Father Allan McDonald and Father Richard Minch will officiate. The family will greet friends from 6 until 7:30 PM Thursday at Snow's Memorial Chapel, Cherry Street. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Mt. de Sales Academy, 851 Orange Street, Macon 31201or Jesuit Volunteer Corps: Northwest, P.O. Box 3928, Portland, Oregon 97208.
Mrs. Harris was married to the late Charles A. Harris of Macon, where she resided for over 53 years. She entered assisted living in Portland, Oregon in 2004 following a stroke and to be near family. Mrs. Harris was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the youngest of six children of Joseph Delaney (Bay Roberts, Newfoundland) and Ellen Lawton (Broad Cove, Newfoundland).
Mrs. Harris worked in civil service for forty years, including Macon's Naval Ordnance Plant and Warner Robins Air Force Base, as a technical writer. She retired in 1981 and entered Wesleyan College, graduating in 1987 (at age 71) with a magna cum laude in English.
Rita was a prolific writer, sending out a monthly newsletter to dozens of friends. For fifty years, she made an annual trip to her native Boston to "renew her accent". She was a former member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Macon and St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Portland. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many. Her trademark wit and stories remain cherished memories.
She is survived by one daughter, Ellen Harris Connell (husband Frank) of Portland, Oregon; grandchildren Timothy Connell (wife Claire) and Amy Waterbury (husband Curtis) of Portland, Oregon; Patrick Connell (wife Melissa) of Beverly, Massachusetts; and Brian Connell (wife Kristen) of Athens, Georgia; and eight great-grandchildren.
Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express tributes.
Snow's Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Services, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
April 3, 2013
Dear Ellen - I just learned from Marilyn Mandel of Rita's death, and my heart is very heavy. I loved her dearly, she brightened my life, and will be deeply missed. I moved to Boston 7 years ago, and your Mother and I kept up a very robust correspondence. My best wishes to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Joanne Dockrell
April 3, 2013
Dear Ellen, Frank and Family,
I just found your Mom's death notice on the Web. Rita was a member of St. Mary Annunciation H.S. [Cambridge, MA]class of 1933 along with my mother, Anne "Bergin" Hooker, and other members such as Mary "Farrell" Powers, Mary "Dynan" Bartell, Rita Hawley and countless other members of the class that would get together every summer. Yes, your Mom DID return to "renew" her Boston Accent! In her later visits, I would be her part time "driver" taking her to these events and to her "Farrington" friends, to see Fr. Sullivan at Campion [Jesuit] Center, and have lunch with her and her dear friend, Claire Reavey. She was a remarkable woman who reflected joy in all she did and everyone around her felt that joy. I send you my sympathy and will remember Rita with a special prayer this week end at Mass at St. Ignatius Loyola Church, Chestnut Hill, MA. We know how much Rita cared for two VERY special religious orders - The Society of Jesus and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
In sympathy and love,
Mary Elizabeth Hooker,
Cambridge MA
March 25, 2013
Edward Lonergan
Dear Ellen,
Your Mom's Boston relatives share in your loss of a truly special lady of charm, wit and intelligence. She and my mom were cousins and childhood friends ("Ita and Rita").
We of a younger generation got to know this remarkable lady when whe would visit her sister and brother and she was a gem.
She shall remain an important part of the family fabric.
Peace and love,
Ed Lonergan
March 22, 2013
Ellen: I just learned today of Rita's passing through a friend in Macon who sent me her obituary. Rita and I went to work at the Naval Ordnance Plant in Macon on the same day, August 11, 1952, and were friends from that day forward. We sent each other happy anniversary notes every year. I lost track of Rita after she moved to Portland and I couldn't remember your married name. She was a wonderful friend and I have fond memories of times we spent together. Deepest sympathy on your loss.
Georgia Hildreth, 205 Yoakum Parkway, #609, Alexandria, VA 22304
March 22, 2013
Maureen Sheridan,
Ellen- My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your dear mom. She will be greatly missed by all her friends here in Portland! I and other St. Ignatius friends will be gathering together for Mass on Friday at 7am so that we can join you in spirit during her Macon funeral. Your mom's keen Irish wit and charm endeared her to all of us. She was a remarkable woman!
March 21, 2013
Patrick and Christine Connell
Hello Ellen and Frank,
We are so sorry to hear about Mrs. Harris. She truly was a happy and fun-filled gentle lady.
Chris and I have very fond memories of your mother. You took great care of you mother.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat and Chris
March 19, 2013
Pam Kersey Harper
Dear Ellen and family, I learned with sadness of your Mom's passing. What a great lady she was. I wish my mind was as quick and witty as hers. I have a great memory of spending weekends with Ellen and we would get up at the crack of dawn to go to 6:30 A.M. Mass on Sundays. We would get up and lie on Mrs. Harris' bed while she would apply makeup. My Mama never really wore makeup and I loved watching this ritual. My heart goes out to all of you for the loss of this great person. I am with you in spirit. With love.
March 19, 2013
Carla Asbell
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Rita and I often joked that she was the only reason I wasn't the oldest graduate of the Golden Heart class of '87. Those Wesleyannes do go on about being the oldest. She was assuredly one of the most entertaining and active. Her vivacity will be greatly missed.
March 19, 2013
Ellen,Frank and Family, So sorry of hear of Rita's passing. She was a dear friend and my mentor when we worked at the old Naval Ordnance Plant in Macon in the 1950s-60s and we continued our friendship. She was so witty and much fun. Rest in peace, Rita. You left behind a host of people mourning you. Joyce Smith, St. Marys, GA
March 19, 2013
mary scott
Ellen, the last time I spoke with your Mom was at our 30 MDS reunion, she was funny, kind and had a heck of a memory! She had a long life and was one smart woman. May you find peace and remember the good times you had with her! Sorry for you loss! Your dear friend from MDS Mary Scott
March 19, 2013
"Dinny" Virginia Phillips
Nana, you were always so good to me. Too many memories for this page...Lakeside on Saturdays, hot tea & grilled cheese sandwiches...Atlanta trips in Dec. for Ellen's birthday... then all the memories for my own kids when they came along. Love you forever, Nana.
March 18, 2013
Margaret McLaughlin
Ellen, Frank and family, I am so sorry to hear of Rita's passing.
The endless stories that were shared between my Mom and Rita over the years was very entertaining. I certainly will miss our weekly chats. Please know that I care and will hold your Mom in my
heart as she was a very special lady. Love, Margaret
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more