Catherine Harris

Catherine ("Katie") Marie Clark Harris of Decatur, Illinois died peacefully at the age of 93 on February 3, 2014 at Heartland Nursing Home surrounded by her family. Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 AM Friday, February 7, 2014 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Family will meet with friends from 10 - 11 AM Friday prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Mt. Gilead Cemetery. Memorials: American Cancer Society, Holy Family Catholic Church or to a charity of the donor's choice. Catherine was born on March 18, 1920 in Mahoningtown, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Clara Geisler Clark and LeRoy Clark. She was raised in New Castle, Pennsylvania where she graduated from high school. She then attended and graduated from secretarial school in Youngstown, Ohio and was employed by AE Staley as a secretary in their Painesville, Ohio plant. Catherine met her future husband, Charles Harris, Jr., while working in that Painesville facility. They were married on February 23, 1952 in Youngstown, Ohio and then moved to Decatur where they worked and raised their family. Catherine was a dedicated homemaker and loving mother to their three children. She was active in the PTA at St. Patrick's School and Girl Scout Leader when her children were young. In her later years her many volunteer activities included the St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary where she served as president, the Holy Family School library, and the Kiwanians. Katie was a superb seamstress and famous for her "Katie's Cinnamon Rolls". Katie also loved music and was an excellent vocalist, singing everywhere she could. Catherine was a devout Catholic and active member of Holy Family Parish. Catherine is survived by her three childrenEd Harris of Decatur, Illinois; Jim Harris and his wife Rose of Cincinnati, Ohio; Lenora Harris-Field and her husband Michael of Fairfield, CT. Catherine is blessed with three grandchildren including Amy Lynn Harris Shahandeh and her husband Ross; Elizabeth Catherine Field; and Evan Christopher Field. Great Grandchildren include Bailey Shahandeh and Harper Shahandeh. Catherine is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Harris, Jr., her parents, and an infant brother The family wants to thank the entire nursing and support staff at Heartland and the Safe Havens angels for their loving care of Katie. Condolences may be left to the family at www.brintlingerandearl.com. "
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