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Andrea Harris Obituary

Andrea Ruth Harris (nee Sommers), of Chicago, passed away peacefully at home, April 2, 2017 after a courageous two-year battle with ovarian cancer. Beloved wife of Bart Harris, loving mother of Aaron and Joel (Amy Ancheta) Harris, adored grandmother of Dylan Harris, sister-in-law of Maida Mangiameli, Jackie Glass, and Lee Harris, and beloved aunt of many. Daughter of the late Andrew "Hank" and Dorothy "Dot" Sommers of Coraopolis, PA. A Chicago board member of the U.N. Women's Organization, environmental artist of international reputation, marathon runner of note (cornerstone runner on the 1980 Winter Olympics torch relay team), cross-country skier, and bicycle racing competitor (qualified for the US Olympic Trials in 1988 at the age of 40), Andrea's personal accomplishments were diverse as she was also successful throughout her adult life as a fashion model, clothing designer, writer, and friend to thousands around the world. Memorial service late spring. Memorial donations to National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Illinois Chapter, [email protected] or to a cancer foundation of your choice. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Illinois, 773-281-5058 or www.cremation-society.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune from Apr. 6 to Apr. 9, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Andrea Harris

Not sure what to say?





Gene Deutscher

March 31, 2025

A very dear friend through athletics .
Her art adorns my home.
I miss you dear friend. I know you are resting well

Jessica

March 31, 2025

Andrea,
I miss you.
You will always remain my dearest friend.

Maida

March 31, 2025

Andrea, you are missed as much today as the day I had to say goodbye.

Bart

April 1, 2024

The hole in my heart is filled with love for you. Our loss is profound but the memories will linger as long as all of us who love and cherish you remain.

Bart

April 1, 2024

My Darling,
We all love you and miss you. I see you smiling at us.

Jessica

March 31, 2024

Dearest Andrea, I will never stop missing you! Love Jessica

Maida

March 31, 2024

I will miss our friendship until my last day. You were loved, dear sister.

Jessica

April 3, 2023

Andrea, memories of our cycling and Nordic skiing adventures are still fresh in my mind, at every start/finish line I stand at. I´ll never forget you. Inspiring and a beautiful lady. Love, Jess

Bart

April 2, 2023

My Darling Andrea,
I continue to love you with all my being. Our shared laughter was the tie that bound me to you and I will hear your laughter until my last conscious moment. It does not get any easier without you. We shared 17,395 days and I will relive them until I fade to black.
Bart

Gene Deutscher

March 31, 2023

I miss your voice and your friendship. Your art adorns my Texas home. You are with me daily. I am a beneficiary of you talent and your kindness.

Maida

March 31, 2023

I still think of you and miss you daily... and appreciate your artistry in all things.

Bart

April 2, 2022

I hear your laugh when I least expect it. The past few weeks I have heard it as if you were standing next to me. Twice, when I turned toward your laugh, I'd swear you were in the next room and I thought I saw your shadow on the floor. I think I must have been waking from a dream last week and I saw you standing next to the bed, leaning toward me and smiling. I love you and you are always with me, but I miss your physical presence.

Laurie

April 1, 2022

I think of Andrea every time I wear a scarf,order a caprese salad or paint. Our trips to Nice and Naples were among my best ever. There was to be at least one more of those. Sadly, there was not.

Gene Deutscher

April 1, 2022

The warmth of her smile captured the serenity of her soul. Her art adorns my Texas home.
Rest well, dear friend.

Jessica

March 31, 2022

Bart, these photos are precious! Andrea´s art hangs above my bed, and I think of her every day. Fabulous memories of training for cycling and skiing. Gene, thanks for posting. She mentioned you and the torch relay quite a few times. And she loved Bart so much!

Maida and John

March 31, 2022

I still miss you so much, sister, asdoes John.

Maida Mangiameli

March 31, 2021

I’m still missing you. It hardly seems it’s been 4 years, but feels too long since you left us.

Bart

March 31, 2021

I think about constantly my love. You were and are always beautiful in every way.

Gene Deutscher

April 3, 2020

Dear friend and top shelf lady. Multitalented. Sincere. Loving. Concerned. Focused. Humble. Caring.
God rest her soul.
Love you. dear lady.

Gene Deutscher
Temple, Texas

Gene Deutscher

March 31, 2019

Andrea was a dear friend of mine. We were both blessed to be selected to represent our respective States, Illinois and Texas, on the 1980 Winter Olympics Torch Relay Team.
We remained friends until the time her journey was completed. I speak to her daily through several of her paintings which are displayed in my residence.
Rest well dear lady and good friend.

Bart Harris

March 31, 2019

I miss you and love you.
Bart

Antonio Nicola Ciervo Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Antonio Nicola Ciervo Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Antonio Nicola Ciervo Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Antonio Nicola Ciervo Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Antonio Nicola Ciervo Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Antonio Nicola Ciervo Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Antonio Nicola Ciervo Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Chantal LORA Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Chantal LORA Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Chantal LORA Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Chantal LORA Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Chantal LORA Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Chantal LORA Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Chantal LORA Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Chantal LORA Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Chantal LORA Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Chantal LORA Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Chantal LORA Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Chantal LORA Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Chantal LORA Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Chantal LORA Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Chantal LORA Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Chantal LORA Monteoliveto Gallery

April 15, 2017

Maida Mangiameli

April 14, 2017

Andrea was a loved sister to me. Memories of us in your Corvette with the wind in our long hair, spending many New Years Eves with you & Bart, me as your assistant when you were designing and making leather clothes, will last in my heart. I miss you and love you.

Eugene Deutscher

April 10, 2017

Andrea was dearly loved and respected by all whom she allowed into her life. I was privileged to gain admission. Her joy of life and her caring of and for others was her foundation. She expressed herself through her art. I am blessed to have several of her original works and a number of prints in my Texas home. I met Andrea the summer of 1979 when the 1980 Winter Olympics Torch Relay Team was in training at Lake Placid, N.Y. We became fast friends. The friendship continues in my heart. I can see her freshening up Heaven with her bold stokes of color and creativity smiling down upon Bart and her children, grandchildren, friends , neighbors and associates and reminding Bart, " Don't you even think about that!" We love you, Andrea.
Gene Deutscher,FACHE
254-493-7988

Grandson, Dylan

April 10, 2017

Grandson, Dylan

April 10, 2017

Andrea's kids, Aaron & Joel, when they were young and innocent

April 10, 2017

Torch Bearer

April 10, 2017

Andrea's "Hope"

April 10, 2017

Grandson, Dylan

April 10, 2017

Andrea, Bart and her two dear sister-in-laws

April 10, 2017

Bart Harris

April 9, 2017

Bart Harris

April 9, 2017

Bart Harris

April 9, 2017

Bart Harris

April 9, 2017

Bart Harris

April 9, 2017

Bart Harris

April 9, 2017

Bart Harris

April 9, 2017

Bart Harris

April 9, 2017

Bart Harris

April 9, 2017

We will love you forever.

Katie Copenhaver

April 7, 2017

Andrea was a genuine, kind, passionate person and a talented artist. She will be missed greatly in the Chicago art community. Sending peace and love to her family and friends at this sad time.

Judith Smits

April 7, 2017

Andrea,
If everyone would live as you did,
the world would be a much brighter
place.
You will continue to be an inspiration
as I continue on our shared ovarian cancer journey.
Rest in peace, the pain is now gone.

Margie Cruz

April 6, 2017

A monumental loss to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Rest in heavenly peace, my friend!

Earle Malkin

April 6, 2017

Bart and Andrea were made for each other. I remember when they first met and I have yet to see two people so compatible. I knew theirs was a special family when I saw their sons riding motorcycles at an early age. Their mutual love and respect should be an example for all couples. Take care, old friend.

Arlene Rakoncay

April 6, 2017

Andrea, you will be so missed. We thank you for the many years of service on the board of the Chicago Women's Caucus for Art. You were an inspiration to all of us. We admired your dedication to your art, your savvy marketing skills and your generosity of time and energy. Our condolences to your family.

Arlene Rakoncay
Bob Bishop

Suzie Isaacs

April 6, 2017

Andrea and I were art studio mates for 12+ years. She was a remarkable artist and a generous, caring friend, teacher, collaborator and supporter. Her bravery was never vanquished by cancer, which she fought up to the very end. A rare and precious being, I feel fortunate to have known her.

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