L. Harris

IRON MOUNTAIN - Jeannette Harris, 93, of Iron Mountain, died Monday, Oct. 20, 2008, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital. She was born on Nov. 5, 1914, in Iron Mountain, the daughter of the late Louis and Ella (Langis) Will. Jeannette was a lifelong resident of Iron Mountain and graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1932. She went on to get her degree in education at the University of Michigan, graduating in 1936. Jeannette taught for a few years at Westwood Junior High School until she married Robert Harris on Feb. 4, 1939. She was a member of St. Mary Queen of Peace Church and was also a member of the Alumni Association at the University of Michigan. Family was very important to Jeannette. She loved and was deeply devoted to her family. Jeannette was a very intelligent woman, who at 93, still had a quick wit and sense of humor that everyone loved. Her school teaching skills were sharp as ever as she would correct her grandchildren's grammar or give someone the definition of an uncommon word. Jeannette was not one to complain. She was realistic and accepted life as it came. She always said "to get through life, you have to be strong." She was always willing to listen. Jeannette was very wise and always tried to think of ways to help. She acted as a counselor for many. She was a woman with many interests and skills. Jeannette had helped her husband build their beloved camp at Bat Lake and enjoyed hunting, fishing and swimming there. She was an avid reader with a thirst for knowledge. She was a passionate sports fan and was especially devoted to the Packers. Jeannette was a skilled card player and an avid gardener. She was very artistic and enjoyed ceramics, decorating, and adding her own personal touch to jazz up most anything. Jeannette was an animal lover. The family dogs knew to sit by her to get a non-stop supply of treats. She was a strong, kind, intelligent, good-humored woman who was an excellent role model for her family. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Jeannette is survived by two daughters, Betty (Casey) Harris of Kingsford and Mary (David) McMahon of Aurora; five grandchildren, Leah Kerkela, Kevin Kerkela, Robert (Kim) Harris, Roy (Rachel) Harris, and Marie (Steve) Smith; two step-grandchildren, Chris McMahon and David McMahon; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert in 1983; one sister, Vadis Suino; and one brother, Roy Will. The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to all the staff at Freeman's Nursing and Rehabilitation Community for their loving care and kindness to their mother. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will be Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home and at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Queen of Peace Church in Kingsford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dickinson County Library or the Springlake Animal Shelter. Condolences to the family of Jeannette Harris may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.

L. Harris

October 20, 2008