Obituary of Patricia P. Harris

Passed away peacefully at age 90 on March 10, 2025 with family at her side. Pat was born in Tupper Lake, NY and raised in Utica, NY. In 1950, Pat moved to Rochester to attend RIT where she fell in love with Robert Harris. She earned her degree in lab technology while Bob earned his degree in photography. Pat was captain of RIT’s fencing team! In 1955, they were married and raised 4 children in Irondequoit.

Family meant everything to Pat. Her wonderful maternal qualities were magnified with her 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She attended soccer, tennis and volleyball games, always cheering for her family. She taught kids and grandkids to drive, ski and play tennis among many other things. She had a quiet competitive streak; if anyone beat Pat at a card game, it was noteworthy!

She was always up for action and adventure. She enjoyed garden club and hosting dinner and bridge parties.  She loved babies, balls, exercise, gardening, and live music. Pat worked as a nurse in a local Doctor’s office for decades. Bob’s job as a photographer took the family to many of the National Parks where the family enjoyed backpacking, hiking, swimming and sunsets. Her travels with Bob included trips to Europe, Africa, the Galapagos and other interesting places. She loved the people, the geography, and the nature on their travels. She marveled at the wildlife – especially birds – everywhere she went.

Pat’s love of the Adirondack Mountains started at a young age. She spent her college summers working in the area. For 66 years, Pat’s family has cherished time together every summer at the same cabin on 7th lake. Pat could be found in a kayak, on a trail, or singing around the campfire. A book was never far away, and she instilled her love of puzzles and reading (and her love of the Adirondacks) to many family members. Loons and moons!

After Bob’s death in 2012, Pat moved into Valley Manor Independent Living where she formed many close friendships and remained very active and social for many years.

She was beautiful, vibrant, independent, active, and wise. She was dearly loved by her family and friends, and will be greatly missed.

 Patricia is predeceased by her husband,  Robert Harris; brother, Donald Putney; sisters, Helen Weingart and Jane Roberts. She is survived by son, Richard (Denise) Harris; daughters, Cynthia (Bruce) Lower, Diane (Kevin) Martin and Ellen (Al) Wanamaker; grandchildren, Robert, Erin (Ryan), Casey (Casey) Lower, Jacqueline (Danny) and Andrew (Catherine) Harris, Jacob and Sara Martin, Jayna and Jackie Wanamaker; great-grandchildren, Nancy, Ali, Oliver, Robert and Lewis along with several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Maplewood for the outstanding care they offered to Pat in her final months. They truly treated her like family.

Pat’s celebration of life will be held at the Harris Family Center 560 Kings Hwy So. (Located Behind the Funeral Home) on Saturday, April 26th from 1-3 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the George Eastman House, www.eastman.org.