Darlene Irene Harris

Darlene Irene Harris, 82, of Mesa, AZ passed away surrounded by family on March 20th. She is predeceased by her father William, mother Sophia, husband Lyle, and daughter Donna. She is survived by her siblings Louise, Jan, and Glen; daughter Debbie; grandchildren Nicholas, Desiree, Andrew, Tyler, Destiny and Kaytlyn; and her eight great-grandchildren.

Darlene was born on October 19, 1940, to William and Sophia Porter outside of Clarissa, Minnesota. She grew up in Minnesota, having lived in Clarissa, Hibbing, and several places in between.

She met her husband Lyle Harris and they married in 1957. After her daughter Debbie was born, the family moved from Minneapolis to Phoenix, Arizona.

Darlene worked many jobs in her lifetime including as a dime store clerk, secretary at a body shop, and finally settled at Motorola in Mesa, Arizona as a quality technician working for many years until her retirement.

Darlene had a wide variety of hobbies. She loved making crafts, drawing, and sewing. She was known for making intricate doll furniture and train sets for the children she loved. Christmas was her favorite holiday. She baked banana bread to give to friends and family and decorated the house with Christmas villages and snowmen. She loved to read and could read a book in less than a day. She always made sure to have months’ worth of books on hand. She loved going to thrift stores and had a collection of glass. Her and her grandson, Tyler, ran an Etsy shop where they sold antique glassware and used the proceeds to buy lunch.

Darlene was a kind and thoughtful person. She always sent texts and cards on special occasions. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She took care of the family, touched the lives of so many people, and will truly be missed.

A visitation for Darlene will be held Monday, April 3, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Phoenix Memorial Park & Mortuary, 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.

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