Florence Lemire Harris, 73, of Keene, NH passed away comfortably at home surrounded by family after more than a decade living with Multiple Myeloma. From her earliest years, this blue-eyed girl was unflappably playful, kind, and positive. She saw the best in everyone and loved nothing more than to make others happy through her big-heartedness and to share their joy and laughter. She was superlatively patient, always laid back and much like her father, had a soft spot for the underdog. She approached her illness with an inspiring mix of optimism, faith, and grit, all of which sustained her through treatments and gave meaning to her days.
Florence was born and raised in Manchester, NH as the youngest of eight children in a large and caring family. She grew up in a bilingual household, proud of her French Canadian heritage and Catholic upbringing. She attended St Anthony’s Catholic School, Hallsville Elementary School and graduated from Memorial High School in 1966.
As newlyweds, she and her spouse Wayne moved to Jaffrey, where they made many friends and raised four children. While bringing up her children at home, she provided daycare to a small group of local children. She worked many years in customer service at Brookstone and SDE. In addition, she worked as an administrative assistant at N.H. Voc Tech Institute, Peerless Insurance and SAU 47. Recently the two moved to Keene, NH to be near immediate family.
Florence is survived by a devoted and loving family, especially her husband of 50 years, Wayne R. Harris, also of Keene, NH. She leaves behind four children and their spouses: Elizabeth and Paul McCormick of East Moriches, NY; Jeffrey W. Harris and Shelley Lynde Harris of Stafford, VA; Rebecca and Christian Sayan of Keene, NH; and Catherine V. Harris and Theodore Raviv of Brooklyn, NY. She is survived by three of her siblings: Helen Biron of West Newfield, ME as well as Jaqueline Brodeur and Jules Lemire of Manchester, NH. She also is survived by six grandchildren, Jonathan, Jordan, Lucas, Julianna, Jack, and Georgia, as well as many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Oliva and Oniva (Boisvert) Lemire, and siblings Priscilla Goupil, Ronald, Raymond, and Janette Lemire. In addition, she has many friends and former co-workers who will miss her laughter and smile.
The family thanks the many medical professionals and researchers who extended her life and the many unknown blood and platelet donors who made treatment possible. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Catholic Charities or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. They also encourage you to consider donating blood and platelets if you are able.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene, NH. Masks are required by city mandate and at the request of the family.
Committal prayers and entombment will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 10:00 am Mount Calvary Mausoleum, 474 Goffstown Road, Manchester, NH. Those in attendance are required by the establishment to wear masks.
There will be a Celebration of Florence’s Life held this summer at a later date.
