Mary Harris of Newburgh, IN passed away in her home on October 21, 2023 at the age of 74 after courageously battling peritoneal cancer. She was born on October 7, 1949 in Lafayette, IN where she grew up with her family of 4 brothers and one sister.
She graduated in 1967 from Central Catholic High School in Lafayette where she was in the Chorus and participated in their drama program. She attended Purdue University where she was the lead singer for the rock band, She and The Dutchman. Mary stayed in close contact with her bandmates and even had a few performances later in life.
She settled in Newburgh, IN around 1980 where she was a very active member of St. John’s Catholic Church. She made many banners that were used throughout the Church calendar year. For several years she led the effort to decorate for Advent. She continued her education later in life and in 2001 proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (in Art) with a minor in Art History with a concentration in graphic design from the University of Southern Indiana.
Mary worked at several jobs throughout her life with her final one being with the Pastoral Care department at St. Vincent hospital in Evansville, IN. Mary was creative, artistic, an excellent seamstress, and enjoyed gardening. Later in life, she achieved the certification of Master Gardener and enjoyed engaging with her book club.
The history of the Harris family was very important to Mary. One of her great joys of life was to be able to support and care for her mother Mildred for her final 8 years while she also battled cancer.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, John Joseph and Mildred Harris and two of her brothers, Thomas and Michael Harris
.
Mary is survived by her son, Matt (Nicole) Asher and grandchildren (Madison and Emily); her son, Joe Asher, and her daughter, Camille Harris (Chet Brady).
The family would like to sincerely thank the many people who supported Mary during her battle with cancer.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your Cancer charity of choice in Mary’s name.
There will be a Celebration-Of-Life in Newburgh, Indiana at a date yet to be determined where local friends and colleagues will be invited to attend. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNewburghChapel.com.
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