Helen Louise Harris

Helen Louise Harris, age 84, of Westminster MD, died February 19, 2018 at Carroll Hospital Center, with her son by her side.  Born April 8, 1933 in Johnsville, Frederick Co, MD, she was the only child of the late Clifford M. and Mary L. Boone Beard.  She was pre-deceased by her devoted husband, Carl DeWitt Harris, whom she married July 30, 1955 and who died July 1, 2015; and son, Bryan DeWitt Harris who died June 19, 2008.

She graduated from Sykesville High School in 1951 and remained very active in her class reunions for over 60 years.  She was affectionately known as “Susie.”

She was a lead claim specialist with the Unemployment Division of the State of Maryland and retired in 1995 after 25 years of service.  Her prior employment was with the FBI, Carroll L. Crawford Insurance, and Black & Decker.

Her many interests included traveling with her beloved husband, cruising, dancing, entertaining family and friends, cooking, collecting recipes, hosting family breakfasts and taking meals to shut-ins. She also enjoyed playing cards and dominos, researching numerous family genealogies, taking pictures and sharing them with others.

She and her husband and family enjoyed 38 years at their summer home on the Potomac River near Harper’s Ferry WV, where they had many friends, cookouts, dances and parties.  She was an avid Baltimore Orioles fan, and was also interested in following other sports with her family members.

Surviving her is son Randy Carl Harris and close companion Bonnie Towner of Westminster; grandchildren Brandon M. Harris and wife Emma; Carli Harris Swift and husband Ryan; great-grandchildren Austin Michael Harris, and Mae Rose, John Bryan, and Anna Swift; also a step-grandson and two step-great-granddaughters.

She is also survived by three aunts with whom she grew up as sisters--Leanna Boone Stitely and Ruth Boone Zile, both of Union Bridge MD, and Patsy Boone Baltzell of Pigeon Forge TN; sister-in-law Irene (Reenie) Harris of Westminster MD, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and many very special friends.  She was predeceased by a fourth beloved aunt--Catherine Beard Hoffman of Frederick MD, who died on January 25, 2018.

The family has requested there be no public viewing.  A private service will be held at St. John’s (Leister’s) Lutheran Church at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. John’s Leister’s Church, 827 Leister’s Church Rd., Westminster MD 21157 or a charity of your choice.

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