Carolyn M. Harris

Carolyn Harris was born January 3, 1926 in St Paul, MN to James and Catherine Korbel. She passed peacefully April 23 at the age of 93. Carolyn received her nursing degree from University of Minnesota. As a nurse at the VA Hospital in Kansas City, she met a patient Bob Harris, and it was love at first sight. They married 3 months later, June 13, 1954. Dad proceeded her on January 24, 2004. Carolyn was a devout Catholic and was an active parishioner during her many years at St Bernadette’s and Coronation parishes. Mom was a past President of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (DCCW) and received recognition from Bishop Boland for her service. She was also an active volunteer and leader in support of mental health with NAMI of Greater Kansas City and Friends of St Dymphna. Professionally, she was a nurse at several local hospitals, Community Blood Bank, Nutri-Systems and later transitioned to taking on Dad's New York Life insurance business. She was an active leader and supporter of American Association of University Women (AAUW). Mom loved to garden, play bridge, and travel (having traveled to many spots in US as well as Europe and Israel). Mom and Dad liked to entertain, dance (they were involved in many dance clubs, including Suburbanaires and TLC) or spend time quiet time at Powell Gardens.

Mom lived her life to the fullest and enjoyed giving back with her time and resources to groups that helped others. Over the past 7 years, she became frustrated with dementia as it stripped her of her independence. She will be greatly missed, and we will all remember her for her smile, strength, charitable giving and strong Catholic faith. She is survived by her 3 children (all of Kansas City): Rob and Luce Harris; Joe and Cecilia Harris, Tina Childers; and 6 grandchildren: Matthew Harris (Chicago), Sara Chiodo (husband Joe), Katie Harris, Fletcher Childers, Caroline Childers and Joseph Harris; her sister Orinne Sullivan (Dallas) and many nieces and nephews. She was also proceeded in death by her brother Joe (Michigan) and sister Rita (St Paul). In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations in memory of Carolyn to (NAMI Greater Kansas City) 3405 W Truman Blvd, Jefferson City, MO 65109 or Powell Gardens 1609 US-50, Kingsville, MO 64061 or any other organization in support of mental health.

Services will be Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at Holy Family Church, 919 NE 96th St., Kansas City, MO 64155. Rosary will be prayed at 9:30am, with visitation following. Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00am. Interment will be at a later date.