Mary E. Harris
3/5/1923–9/16/2016
Mary Emma MacLeod Harris passed away on September 16, 2016 at the age of 93. Mary was born to Malcolm and Mae MacLeod on Lopez Island, Washington and was the oldest child in the family that included siblings Duncan, Joan and Gwen. Mary was raised on Lopez Island, graduating from Sedro-Wooley High School, as there was no high school on Lopez at that time. After graduation she worked for a time in Bellingham and Seattle at Dun and Bradstreet. She was drawn back to Lopez and married the love of her life, Howard Harris, on July 24, 1944. Mary and Howard moved to Bellingham where they raised their family and worked together for many years in true partnership, running their automotive family business. Using her gift for organization and her great people skills, Mary ran the operations side of the business while Howard concentrated on the mechanical side. They retired to beautiful Lopez where they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in July of 2014. In retirement, Mary followed in her parent’s footsteps as a leader in the community, volunteering many hours in diverse areas. She will always be remembered for her championing of the Lopez Senior Center, Woodmen Hall, the Port Stanley School and The Lopez Thrift Shop, among many others. Howard predeceased Mary in February 2015. Two daughters, Maureen and Florence, who died in childhood, predeceased Mary, as well as her brother Duncan, and son-in-law Richard Sela. She is survived by her daughter Laura Mae Sela of Lopez Island; son Norman MacLeod and his wife Sheila and grandson Ryan MacLeod Harris of Mississippi; sisters Joan MacLeod Congdon of Anacortes; Gwen MacLeod Lamb of Renton; and countless nieces and nephews. Mary was a very special person with a genuine kindness and sparkle that was a positive influence on all and an inspiration to her family, friends, and community. Throughout her long life, Mary’s Christian faith was her rock, as she was ours. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Lopez Senior Services, P.O.Box 154 Lopez, WA 98261. You may share memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.
