Cherished wife, mother, and grandmother made a positive impact on her Staten Island community
Lana L. Harris, 88, of Westerleigh, died peacefully on Saturday, June 9, 2018, after a long illness.
Born on Oct. 16, 1929, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, she was the daughter of Ida Adey and George W. Porter. Lana graduated from Fort Hamilton High School. As a young woman, she worked in Manhattan for several garment manufacturing firms, and then in Brooklyn for the Bell Telephone Company in their Pioneer office, before marrying Donald J. Harris in 1951.
Lana and Don moved to Staten Island in 1959, where they raised their children in Westerleigh. Lana worked for the NYC Board of Education for more than 25 years as a school aide, first at the local school PS 30 and later at PS 60, where she made many friends.
Lana was a highly creative person and was an accomplished seamstress. During the 60's and 70's she made most of her clothes as well as her daughter's. She loved being fashionable and well turned out every day. Using these talents, she ran a successful craft business for 15 years before retiring.
Lana was an active member and volunteer at Faith United Methodist Church in Port Richmond for several decades, and participated in their senior exercise fellowship. Lana and her family were longtime members of the Hillside Swim Club and she was an active member of the senior exercise program. Each Wednesday for more than 20 years she visited a different New York City museum with others from her much-loved Wednesday Museum Group.
Lana volunteered at Historic Richmond Town and served as recording secretary for several years at the Women's Auxiliary of the Staten Island Historical Society. She was an active member and secretary of her local AARP chapter, and a member of the Westerleigh Improvement Society.
Lana was devoted to Don, her husband of 63 years, who predeceased her. She is survived by her two children, loving daughter Donna Ann Harris and son-in-law Ian Siler of Philadelphia, Pa., and her loving son Steven Harris and daughter-in-law Susan Cohen Harris of Maplewood, N.J.
Lana loved being the grandmother of Sydney P. Harris of Riverdale, N.Y., Isabel P. Harris of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and Spencer P. Harris of Maplewood, N.J. Lana leaves behind her cherished identical twin sister, Lou Bell Porter of Coral Springs, Fla. Lana had six nieces and nephews, Leslie Jane McFarlane, Bruce McFarlane, Lise Porter Maten, Laura Porter Friedman, Luana Porter, and Richard Porter.
Lana was always upbeat and inspirational and had a kind word for all. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, from 2 to 4 and 7 to p.m. at the Casey Funeral Home. Burial will be private at Moravian Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, if so desired, contributations may be made in Lana's memory to Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave., Staten Island, N.Y. 10306, (718) 351-1611.
Casey Funeral Home
350 Slosson Ave.
Staten Island, N.Y. 10314
(718) 447-4242
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