Dorothy Harris

Biography

Dorothy Ann (Murphy) Harris passed peacefully on Monday, September 15, 2014 two days before her 86th birthday surrounded by all her children. Raised in Monson, MA, she moved to Northbridge in 1951 where she taught elementary education and met her beloved husband, John P. Harris, who predeceased her in March, 2011 after a 57-year happy and devoted marriage.

Dorothy leaves her five children and their spouses, Caleb and his wife Bernadette Harris, Mary Harris, Paul Harris, Martha and her husband Paul McLaughlin, and Susan and her husband Ken Calabro. Dorothy was the proud grandmother of ten grandchildren: Michael, Anne, Marion, Rose, Dorothy, William, John, Elizabeth, Mary and Lillian.

She was the daughter of the late Thomas F. and Mary A. (Hogan) Murphy. Dorothy also leaves her sister Helen Colling of Monson, MA, a brother, Professor emeritus John R. Murphy of Loretto, PA and her brother William F. Murphy of Monson, MA. Thomas Murphy, her brother, and Mary Parker, her sister predeceased her.

With the mind of a CEO and the heart of an angel, Dorothy fully fulfilled her vocations as a teacher, a devoted wife and exemplary mother. A true matriarch, she possessed a remarkably kind disposition, perceptive wisdom and keen sense of humor.

Dorothy was a woman of strong faith and faced the challenges of her illnesses with courage and dignity. She was a member of St. Patrick's parish and throughout the years, participated in many parish activities.

Dorothy's children and grandchildren feel a tremendous loss but thank God for a life well-lived and that the Risen Lord has granted her His Peace at the last.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 18, 2014 at 11am in St. Patrick Church, Monson, MA. A calling hour will be held before the funeral from 9:30am to 10:30am at the Lombard Funeral Home, 3 Bridge St., Monson, MA. Interment will be in Bethany Cemetery, Monson, MA.

Donations in Dorothy's memory may be made to Why Me & Sherry's House (Children's Cancer Fund) 1152 Pleasant St. Worcester, MA 01602.