Patricia Marie Harris

Our beloved Pat was born on March 21, 1953, to Carol and George Carey in Charleston, South Carolina. She grew up in Denville, New Jersey, and fondly considered herself a “Jersey Girl” throughout her life. Pat met Bill in 1976 at Rider University. After graduating, the two were married and began a devoted partnership of 47 years. Pat started married life in Denver, Colorado, where she proudly pursued and completed her Master’s degree in Education at the University of Denver. She embraced her role as a wife with sincerity. Pat supported Bill’s career for 47 years as a “Freeport wife”, and quickly became known throughout Freeport-McMoran as an incredible asset and champion for the company.

In July 1987, Pat and Bill were blessed with the birth of their first child, Kimberly, in Houston, Texas. In December 1989, Pat and Bill were overjoyed by the birth of their son, Steven, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Anyone who knew Pat could see the light, love, and complete dedication she brought to her role as “Mom”. It was Pat who convinced Bill to take a risk on an overseas assignment in Jakarta, Indonesia, because she believed her children would get a better education. As her children grew and married, Pat embraced her daughter-in-law Daniela and her son-in-law Keith as her own.

Pat was also a warm-hearted and adoring daughter. Whether her own parents or Bill’s, Pat always made sure her family felt welcome in her and the children’s lives. Pat is survived by her beloved mother, Carol M. Doherty.

As committed as Pat was to her family, you could not find a more caring and thoughtful friend than Pat Harris. Those whose lives she touched described her warmth, acceptance, compassion, and zest for life. Her energy would light up a room, but Pat would make you feel like her focus was solely on you as she helped you solve the problem of the day.

Pat was one in a million. Her bright light will be missed by so many, but especially her loving family.

A Memorial Mass will be held in Pat’s honor on Monday, January 16, 2023 at 2 pm at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at 625 111th Avenue North, Naples, FL 34108. For those who are unable to travel, the service will be live streamed via the following link: https://sjecc.org/livestreams/

The family will be hosting a reception at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens across the street from the church from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm. In true Pat fashion, all family and friends are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests that we honor Pat with a donation in her name to one of the following organizations: Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation: http://www.info-komen.org/goto/Patharris or Hope Hospice: https://hopehospice.org/donate/