Patricia J. Harris

Patricia (we won't speak of her middle name because she disliked it) Harris died in the early morning hours of September 16th with one of her beloved grandchildren by her side. A Denver native, she was born February 22, 1931, the oldest of two children of Laurence and Margaret O'Neill. The bedrock of her Catholic faith was formed while attending St. Francis de Sales school for first through twelfth grade. She met her late husband, James C. Harris, of 53 years while in elementary school at St. Francis.

She was an avid Broncos and Rockies fan, her love for both teams only surpassed by her love for her late husband, six children, sixteen grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Dubbed by some as the, ""Energizer Bunny,"" she was always up to something, creating innumerable crafts, cooking questionably healthy foods (three cheers for Grandma's Noodle Soup and sugar sandwiches!), square dancing with her husband and best friends (making matching themed costumes for nearly every dance) and, in her later years, directing the staff at Mapleton Care (who, in truth, are amazing) on how they should do their jobs.

She was a stubborn and feisty fighter. She survived birthing six boys and raising five of them (James Jr, died just hours after his birth), a heart attack nearly 18 years ago, breast cancer soon after that, losing her husband (who was very curmudgeonly at the end), and a massive stroke 15 years ago. She was obsessed with living, so she could see her pride and joy, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren thrive. She always championed their passions and causes, even if she didn't understand or agree with them.

We will miss her smile in that lit up a room, her joyous hosting upwards of thirty people in a 1900 square foot house, and her desire to always support those she loved (She may have apologized to one of her granddaughters for not helping plan her recent wedding three days before she died). We know she's square dancing with her husband and friends, crafting up a storm, holding babies and doing all the things that she wished she could do during her last years here on earth while her body slowly robbed her of so many of her passions. We love and will miss you!

Wife to late James C. Harris; father of David, Paul, James Jr. (predeceased), Mark, Vince and Tom; grandchildren Nick Harris, Ben Harris, Rebecca Blessing, Jason Harris, Alex Dupey, Katie Pugh, Philip Harris, Mimi Shim, Jae Harris, Brian Harris, Kevin Harris, Jacob Harris, Cassy Harris, Cliff Harris, Vera Harris, Chad Harris; great-grandchildren Stella Dupey Holt, Gavin Pugh, Emmett Dupey Holt, Ahmalee Harris, Grayson Harris, Wesley Harris, Eliana Harris, Emerson Harris, Oliver Wiegand, Elliot Harris, Phoebe Harris.

Viewing Wednesday, September 25, 2019, 6:00-7:00 pm, Vigil Service 7:00 pm, both at Horan & McConaty, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80227. Funeral Mass Thursday, September 26, 2019, 10:00 am, St. Frances de Sales Catholic Church, 300 S. Sherman St., Denver, CO 80209. Interment Fort Logan National Cemetery, 12:00 pm, area A.

 

Visitation: September 25, 2019 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Horan & McConaty - SW Denver/Lakewood
3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd.
Lakewood, CO 80227

Vigil Service: September 25, 2019 7:00 pm

Horan & McConaty - SW Denver/Lakewood
3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd.
Lakewood, CO 80227

Funeral Mass: September 26, 2019 10:00 am

St. Frances de Sales Catholic Church
300 S. Sherman St.
Denver, CO 80209

Interment: September 26, 2019 12:00 pm - 12:30 am

Fort Logan National Cemetery
3698 South Sheridan Boulevard
Denver, CO 80236
(303) 761-0117
https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ftlogan.asp