Nelle Lorraine (Nelson) Harris, age 91, died in Chicago, at Wesley Place, on 3/15/19. She was born in Hinsdale, Montana on 12/16/27 to Oliver and Mildred (Wheeler) Nelson, who were homesteaders at that time. The family relocated due to hardships related to the Depression. Nelle was raised in Oxford, Wisconsin, with her siblings. Her older brothers were Clarence, Robert (Bob) and Charles (Chuck), who served in World War II. She was very close to her older sister, Laurel (Lol). Her younger siblings were Margaret (Muggs), Harlow (Stub) and Charlotte (Junie).
At age 17, Nelle moved to Chicago to take a job at the Treasury Department, in the Merchandise Mart. In addition to working full time, she attended Moody Bible Institute and worked for the minister at Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue. In one of her subsequent jobs, she met Norman Charles Harris, and within 6 months, they were married. Nelle and Norm had three children, Jon Oliver, Rochelle and Stephanie, as well as numerous pets. She divided her time between raising her children, being connected to her neighbors, and volunteering in Chicago Public Schools. In later years, Nelle and Norm took classes in film and literature at Truman College, in Uptown, where they resided for over 40 years.
Nelle and Norm were “urban pioneers” who bought a Victorian era house that had been converted to a boarding house during World War II. She and Norm put lots of blood, sweat and tears, with limited resources, into rehabbing their house on Junior Terrace. Nelle loved entertaining her friends and neighbors during the holidays. She always had a warm welcome for her children’s friends and kept an eye on the neighborhood.
When Norman died, after 59 years of marriage, she said that not a day went by that she did not think of him. Nelle lived the longest of her siblings and grieved for each of them. In the last months of her life, she often said, “I’m the only one left.” She also mourned the loss of many of her dear friends.
Nelle is survived by her children, Jon Oliver Harris (Susan), Rochelle Harris (Doug Bonney), and Stephanie Harris. She adored her grandchildren, Tessa Bonney (Tim Ruppe), Conrad Bonney and Christina Harris. She was very close to her niece Sue Gamble, her husband Don, and their children, Malcolm (Kaitlan) and Teresa (Andrew). She also remained in touch with her many nieces and nephews and was always excited to learn about their families.
Nelle received many years of excellent care by Dr. Rowland Chang and his physician assistant, Pam, at the Shirley Ryan Abilitylab. Her family is grateful for the care she received at The Breakers, where she resided for about 5 years. The last 7 months, she resided at Wesley Place, where she was well cared for by staff and by Seasons Hospice, especially her nurse, David Simkin.
Services will be held at 11am on Saturday, March 23, at Drake & Son Funeral Home (5303 N. Western Ave, Chicago IL, 60625) followed by 2pm burial at Rosehill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Salvation Army, Nelle’s favorite charity.
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18