Lillian Eva Harris

Lillian Eva Harris (nee Myers) passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on February 28, 2013, after a struggle with heart disease. Born to Benjamin and Eva Myers in Sacramento in 1933, Lillian lived most of her life in the Sacramento area. She graduated from Grant Union High School in 1951. She worked for the State of California for 30 years, in the Department of Education, Public Employees Retirement System, and later for the Department of Water Resources, retiring in 1983. She went on to earn her real estate broker's license. She met John Beaver when they both worked for the Department of Water Resources; they married in 1969 and lived in Auburn. They moved to the Rancho Murieta Village in 1983 and lived there until John's death in 1987. In 1988, Lillian met a new neighbor in the village--Hal Harris--and they were married in 1988. In 1999 she joined Hal in his faith and was baptized into the Catholic Church.

Lillian loved music and singing and was a founding member of the Rancho Murieta Voices in the 1990s, retiring from that group in 2011. She also sang in the church choir at St Vincent de Paul. Lillian was an enthusiastic member of the Red Hat Society. At one time she held a private pilot's license and wanted to skydive. Lillian enjoyed spending time with her family, Bible study, traveling (especially cruises) and adventures, documenting these in photographs and detailed journals.

Lillian was predeceased by her parents and two brothers. Lillian is survived by her husband, Hal Harris; daughter Cindy Smith (Darryl) of Carlsbad; son John Scott Holmgren (Kay), of Nortonville, KS; and Hal's children: Karen Hook (Ron) of Elk Grove; Thomas Harris (Peggy) of West Sacramento; Therese Harris (Frank O'Connell, Jr.) of Colton, WA; Daniel Harris (Carol) of Bakersfield; Patrick Harris (Antonette) of Sacramento; and Anne Chapuis (Eduard) of Danville. "Grandma Lillian" will also be missed by: Taylor Smith; Joshua, Zachery, and Jeremiah Holmgren, Harley Ames ; Joanna, Courtney and Melissa Hook; Katie Houser (Nick); Andy Harris (Shannon); Liz Harris; Harrison O'Connell; Scott Harris; Rhian, Jordan, Emilie, and William Harris; and Regina and Abby Chapuis. Lillian is also survived by a sister, Eileen McMillin (Flick) and numerous cousins.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 6, from 4 to 7 p.m., with a Rosary said at 6 p.m., at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 14673 Cantova Way, Rancho Murieta, CA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said on Thursday, March 7, at 11 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul. Interment will be at Mt. Vernon Memorial Park, 8201 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks. Per Lillian's request, a party will be held afterwards at the Murieta Village Clubhouse, from 2 to 4 p.m.