Marilyn Flack Harris

She was born on April 3, 1935, to Ethel and Samuel Flack in Utica, NY, where she grew up as the fourth of five children. Ethel died when Marilyn was three years old. Her father was the community doctor, who would take his children bundled up in the back of the car even late at night to check on patients. Their family was very close and their father revered. Marilyn attended Russell Sage College but had to leave when her father passed away when she was 18. She resumed her studies at Syracuse University, where she graduated with a degree in Speech Pathology. She married Harvey Harris and moved to Dallas, Texas, where her career began at Scottish Rite Hospital. Her very long career included teaching and directing at the former United Way school called Children’s Development Center. Throughout those years, and following her divorce, Marilyn went on to further her education at Texas Women’s University where she earned her Master’s degree. She also accepted a teaching post at Dallas Independent School District, where she concluded her teaching career in her early 70s. Her love of babies was ever present. She showed this love most to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, to whom she was completely devoted. Marilyn loved to travel by car, to cook, and entertain. She could and would talk to anyone and draw out their life story. She will be lovingly missed by those who experienced her genuinely sweet personality and compassion. Marilyn truly took joy in learning about other people, and it made those people feel special and valued.

She is survived by her son Scott Harris, M.D.; daughter Ellen Ballon; grandchildren Ryan Harris, M.D., Erin Danziger (Todd), and Andrew Harris; and great-grandchildren Ari and Eli Danziger. She was preceded in death by her father Samuel William Flack, M.D.; mother Ethel Newell Flack; and siblings Isabetta “Betty” Mandel, Stuart “Buddy” Flack, Howard Flack, and Robert “Bobby” Flack. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation made in Marilyn’s memory to the organization of your choosing.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Harris family.