Doris M. Harris

DORIS MAE HARRIS, 77, of Friendswood, TX died unexpectedly on August 29, 2011, surrounded by her loving family. She was born January 22, 1934, in Niagara Falls, New York; the second of four children to Leonard and Margaret Pollard.

Doris was united in marriage to Larry Harris on November 6, 1950. They had 60-plus loved-filled years together. From the very beginning their relationship was based on the words “till death do us part,” but his love for this woman he chose to marry, to share their dreams, to make a family with--this love--is never-ending. To this union God blessed them with eight children – four boys: Mike, Larry, Tom, Richie; and four girls: Diane, Sue, Kathy, Mary Lynn.

Doris and Larry were an inseparable team. Every morning began with a kiss and hug and the words, “I love you.”

Traveling was a favorite pastime for both. They were able to take numerous trips overseas together, as well as to many locations within the United States and Canada. Larry loved to carefully plan each trip with Doris, and together they made memories to last a lifetime for themselves as well as to pass on to their children and children’s children. Doris loved to share with her family the tales and treasures from their trips when he’d bring her home each time.

During one trip in 2002, Doris created quite a stir at the place where the famous Swarovski crystal is made in Innsbruck, Austria when she arrived there unexpectedly as a Charter Member of the Swarvorski Crystal Society. Larry was, as always, ever-present at her side, Christmas list in hand. Never had a Charter member visited before, so Doris was treated like royalty. As she shared the story that followed wth her family for this particular trip, the lights in her eyes shined even brighter than the Swarvorski Crystals she brought home for Christmas gifts that year.

One of their enjoyments together was to share an evening out at many of the area fine dining establishments as well as to experience the neat little out-of-the-way spots together. Doris especially enjoyed her monthly dinners with her now grown children who live close by. She knows that these dinners will continue with her husband, their Dad, whom she--and they--hold so dear now that she has gone on to be with the Lord.

Doris was an avid reader. A conversation with her was always an enlightening and stimulating experience. She was a “multidimensional” person that her close family and friends were fortunate enough to be privy to.

Doris was a homemaker throughout her entire lifetime and her greatest enjoyment was her family. She loved her children and grandchildren dearly, and they loved her in return. All carry special memories of her.

She kept an immaculate home and her children and their children were raised with a strong work ethic and respect for elders, all the while knowing the tender loving hand of a mother’s gentle touch. Everyone looked to her for advice. When you needed her the most Mom treated you like you were an only child.

Her love for each of her children and grandchildren--for all those she held dear in her life was highly individualized and ran deeper than one may fathom. Doris Mae Harris may have left this earth, but our love for her remains. Her love remains too. We feel it....

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Leonard and Tom Pollard, son Richard Harris, and son-in-law Andy Kukura.

Doris is survived by her husband, Lawrence H. Harris of Friendswood, TX; her children: Diane E. Gravius and her lifetime companion Ronnie Weihrich of Buffalo, NY; Michael W. Harris of Pasadena, TX; Lawrence D. Harris and his wife Diane of Ponca City, OK; Thomas E. Harris and his wife Tammy of Crosby, TX; Susan M. Marion of Houston, TX; Kathy A. Kukura of Houston, TX; Mary Lynn Borches and her husband Jeb of League City, TX; a sister, Thelma Lally and her lifetime companion Ken Place of Fort Myers, FL; sister-in-law Jean Kilmer and her husband Pete of Grand Island, NY; brothers-in-law Donald Harris and his wife Jean of Niagara Falls, NY, Ronald Harris of Niagara Falls, NY, Robert Harris and wife Joanne of Clarence, NY; twenty grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

The Old Testament prophet Solomon wrote in the Book of Ecclesiastes. “There is an appointed time for everything…A time to give birth and a time to die; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Today we weep and mourn the loss of Doris Harris. But one day we will join her and our tears and sorrows will be transformed into laugher and dancing because of the joy of seeing her once again!

Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 2, 2011 in the Chapel of Forest Park East Funeral Home, 21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, Texas 77598; 281-332-3111. Reverend Dan Ho, Officiating.