Patricia (Pat) was born in Bellevue, PA and grew up in the Ben Avon neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Pat was born into a large family, which included five sisters and a brother. She graduated from Avonworth High School in 1953. In December of that same year, Pat married her true love and hometown beau, First Lieutenant Richard Lee Harris (Dick), US Army.
Pat took on the role of an Army wife with a beautiful smile and great enthusiasm and was a tremendous source of constant love, support, and stability for her husband throughout his career. Besides being a devoted homemaker, Pat often organized and hosted formal parties or receptions, served in numerous Army wives' clubs, and volunteered as a children's swim instructor for the U.S. Air Force.
Throughout their Army life, Pat and Dick had many stateside duty assignments and tours in both Alaska and Hawaii. When they finally left the Army for civilian life, they settled in Austin, TX, vowing then to never move again. Pat took immense interest in enhancing the family home by taking on countless improvement projects, to include a sizable house renovation and addition. She also took great pride and enjoyment from doing assorted craft projects, especially those she prepared for a series of popular annual Christmas bazaars she held with her twin sister, Jo Ann.
Pat had a smile for everyone and was very fond of making friends while enjoying even the most routine of daily activities. She always took great care in treating all those around her with dignity, respect, and charity. Pat possessed an incredible strength, spirituality, and hidden talents, which continually amazed and surprised all who knew her. She truly delighted in her daily interactions with her “special” Postal delivery man and dear friend, the Jim's crew, the Luby's crew and the staff at her local Randall’s and HEB stores.
Pat is survived by two loving daughters, Sandra Jo Egdorf and son-in-law, Floyd, of Hinton, IA, and Carole Jill St. George of Austin, TX; her devoted twin sons, William Walton Harris and daughter-in-law, Melissa, of Taylor, TX, and Robert Lee Harris and daughter-in-law, Sara, of San Antonio, TX; her twin sister Jo Ann Sauer and brother-in-law, Jack, of Austin, TX; and sisters Carole McKim of Houston, TX, and Mary Lou Ramsey of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews. Additionally, Pat was affectionately known as "Jama" to her 13 adoring grandchildren: Dustin, Shane, Lane, Tyler, Audrey, Sara, Ciara, Zachary, Nathan, Caroline, Aidan, Austin, and Benjamin; one great-grandchild, Aubree; and Pat’s loyal friend and dedicated caregiver, Diana Denman of Austin, TX – she will be greatly missed by all. Pat was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Major General Richard L. Harris, US Army (ret); two sisters, Jane James and Linda Bonebrake; a brother, William Walton; and a grandson, Ryan Everette Harris.
Rest in peace, MOM. You are joined together once again with the true love of your life, DAD. Our love for you both is eternal.
A private family service is planned. Remembrances may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or The Seton Fund.
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