Harriett Jean Harris

Harriett (Nichols) Harris of Gilbert, AZ passed away peacefully on May 18, 2023, after a long illness. Harriett was born in upstate New York and spent most of her life there, moving to Arizona in 1997 to be closer to family and enjoy retirement. She spent 20 years as an elementary education teacher before retiring. Harriett was born in rural Schuyler County, NY, in July 1941 to her parents Glenn and Marion Nichols. She attended the same school in Bradford, NY from 1st grade until 12th grade when she graduated as valedictorian of her class of 17. As a child she picked berries in the summers and enjoyed sledding and ice-skating during winters. She liked Perry Como records and enjoyed watching Gene Autry. She fondly remembered times with her parents and older sister, Glenna. Harriett married Edward Harris in June 1961 in Tyrone, NY and they were close to celebrating their 62nd anniversary at the time of Harriett’s passing. Their son, Ted, was born in 1965. Harriett, Ed, and son later moved to Newark, NY, where they lived until Harriett and Ed’s retirement in Arizona. Harriett earned bachelor's and master’s degrees from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY and taught 2nd and 4th grade in Newark. While still working, Harriett developed a passion for creative writing and loved attending writing workshops in Durham, New Hampshire. Over 200 of Harriett’s stories, poems, and artwork survive her. Harriett loved cooking for family and friends, loved nature walks, reading, and reminiscing. Later in life she got interested in her family’s genealogy and not only documented family history going back to the 1600’s but also tied in her grandkids with that history by writing some historical fiction. Harriett and Ed lived in Sun Lakes, Arizona for 22 years. She was active in The Friends of the Library and served a term as president of that organization. She was a participant in the antique club and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also a member of the Sun Lakes Writers Group which met weekly to discuss and enjoy each other’s work. Harriett is survived by her husband, Edward Harris, son, Ted (Theodore) Harris, daughter in law Tammie Harris; grandchildren Lauren Ryan (husband Joe), Jeremy Harris (wife Courtney), Lydia Lonas (husband Luke), and Joanna Harris; great grandchildren Honor Ryan and Rebecca Ryan; sister Glenna Dann and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by granddaughter Alexandrea Harris and great granddaughter Valerie Ryan. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at 6pm at Redeemer Bible Church (950 N Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85234). Donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.