After a long and fulfilled life of 93 years, our mother, Delores Marie Harris passed away in her home with family by her side on March 21, 2022.

The youngest of seven children of Clarence and Ofena Cooper, mom was born on November 2, 1928 in Mineral, Washington. Later the family lived on the coast in the small town of Moclips, Washington. In high school mom met the love of her life, Orren Henry Harris and after dad returned from the service, they were married on June 24, 1946. They resided in Washington for a while and ultimately found their way to Eureka where they lived and raised their three sons, Bill, Jim and Rick and foster son, Kim Lawson.

Mom was busy raising us boys in her younger years but after Bill enlisted in the US Army, Jim was in High School and Rick in Junior High, mom decided she wanted to go to work. She became a Teachers Aide and worked in the City Schools at Zane and Eureka High helping countless kids find their way through the education process for over 21 years. She often claimed that “the aide did the teaching, and the teacher assisted the aide.” Many children became successful because of mom’s commitment to their education.

Along with her teaching profession mom was highly involved with the American Business Women’s Association acting as Board Member and President even after her retirement. She was quite active in the community, and she must have had some aspiration for acting with different roles in the Call it Wild performances including the role of Mrs. Johnson in the Harper Valley PTA. Outside of work and the responsibilities of ABWA, there was golf. Dad played every weekend, often with us boys and mom decided she would take up the game. Of course, she became pretty good at the sport and boasting more holes-in one than the rest of her family combined. She leaves us still holding the record. Like everything else in her pursuits, she became active with the Women’s Golf Association organizing and playing in many tournaments around the county. And like holes-in-ones, she was recognized very often in the Times Standard for her standings in the tournaments, and many of those in the top spot. In retirement, she and dad traveled with golfing friends to play various courses including a trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C. Needless to say, Delores Harris was an inspirational woman who made a difference in the lives of many along her way through life. While we will all miss her greatly, we remain proud and thankful for all she did for our family.

Mom is preceded in death by her parents, her six siblings, husband Orren Harris, grandsons Billy Harris and Ryan Harris. She is survived by her children Bill (Sue) Harris, Jim Harris and Rick (Lisa) Harris. Foster son Kim Lawson, grandchildren Allen Harris, Jim Harris Jr., Bryan Harris, Kassidy Banducci, Adam Harris, Jenna Harris, and Samantha Walker. Great grandchildren Tyler Harris, Marley Harris, Riley Harris, Noah Walker, Elliot Banducci, Hunter Harris, Brody Harris, Grant Banducci and Madison Forbes.

A special thanks to the care givers of Hospice of Humboldt for comforting mom in her final days. Mom’s wish was to be in her home when that time came. Thanks to son, Jim Harris and granddaughter Samantha Walker, that wish was granted for the past 3½ years.

The family will be gathering privately to celebrate the life of Delores at her home where many family gatherings took place for the past 50 years.