Mary Catena Harris

Mary Catena Harris, 95, of Keswick Virginia and San Diego California died on Sunday September 27th at Our Lady of Peace in Charlottesville which has been her home since 2010. Mary was born October 12th 1919 in Boston Massachusetts and was the daughter of Benedetto and Crocifiza (Fannie) Federico. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence Virgil Harris. Upon graduation from Melrose High School in Boston, Mary supported the war effort by working for General Electric in Boston building military aircraft instruments for bombers during World War II. Mary’s family relocated to San Diego in 1948 and there she met and married her husband Lawrence in 1950. Professionally Mary was a successful retail manager specializing in Ladies Apparel. After retirement she spent the next 25 years volunteering full time at a school for handicap children along with her sister in support of Catholic Charities. She was passionate about and loved working with children. Mary came to the Charlottesville area in 2010 to be near her son Neal and his wife Gabrielle. Mary is survived by her two sons, Larry Harris of San Diego California, Neal Harris and his wife Gabrielle of Keswick Virginia, her sister Theresa Naylor at Our Lady of Peace. Other surviving family are her granddaughter Rachel Beck and her husband Andy along with three great grandchildren William 6, Benjamin, 4, and Vivian 11 months. The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Jonathan Evans for his tireless care of Mary. In addition the family would like to recognize and thank the many CNAs and caregivers that devoted so much to Mary’s care and well being over the years. Additional thanks to the Nurses, staff, and Management at Our Lady of Peace for their continuous care and concern for Mary and her family. A Memorial Service to celebrate Mary life will be held on Saturday October 31th at 11:00a.m. at Our Lady of Peace 751 Hillsdale Drive Charlottesville. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to Catholic Charities in San Diego CA, or any organization that supports early childhood health and development. Our thanks to Teague Funeral Home in Charlottesville VA.