Julia P. HARRIS

GLOUCESTER - Julia Patricia FortE Harris passed away peacefully on April 9, 2010. Originally from Derby, Conn., she made Virginia her home for over 50 years. Julia graduated from St. Raphael's School of Nursing in New Haven, Conn., where she met her husband of 65 years, Lt. Col. (ret) Max R. Harris. Multiple USAF stations took them to California, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, Ohio, Illinois, Alabama, the Philippine Islands and Virginia. During those years, Julia's children were born: Joy Harris Mitchell (husband, E. Gerald Mitchell of Meridian, Miss.), Patricia M. Harris of Newport News, Va., William R. Harris (wife, Christie of Arlington, Va.), and Christopher V.V. Harris (wife, Amy of Naperville, Ill.). Julia, was known as "Grandmother" to her 11 grandchildren; and "GG" to eight great-grandchildren. Even though Julia spent years traveling, she always remained close to her family in Connecticut, especially her nieces, Carol Ann Gallo Stewart and Francine Gallo-Mure.
Julia embraced life wherever she lived, and when she and Max retired in Gloucester in 1963, her love of her new home in York Shores at Gloucester Point became a constant. She was active in the Gloucester Women's Club; the Bicentennial Historical Society; president of the Rosewell Foundation; the Gloucester Historical Society and the Gloucester Museum Group. Julia excavated and cataloged artifacts with Dr. W. M. Kelso; taught English to ESOL members of St. Therese Catholic Church, where she was honored to be an original founding member. As a Theresian, Julia was active in all facets of church ministries.
Julia enjoyed her years working at the Gloucester Library, entering her specialties for winning ribbons at the Gloucester County Fairs and play nine on the Gloucester Golf Course. She sang with the Gloucester Choral Society and enjoyed many performances acting with the Courthouse Players Community Theater. In addition, Julia volunteered 19 years at Langley Air Force Base Regional Hospital in the Emergency Room and Internal Medicine. During those years, she was honored several times as Outstanding Volunteer of the Year.
Julia's joy of experiencing life continued in her travels throughout the world with her husband, Max, experiencing different cultures, art and cuisine. As a gourmet cook and experienced hostess, Julia loved returning to her home, "Rowena" and extending hospitality to her many friends.
The Harris family will celebrate their mother, Julia P. Harris, on Tuesday, April 13, 2010, with a Mass of Celebration at 11 a.m., officiated by the Rev. James Cowles, at St. Therese Catholic Church, Gloucester. In her honor, the family will receive friends and loved ones from 10 to 11 a.m., prior to the Mass at St. Therese Catholic Church. Interment will be private.
The Harris family would like to extend their deepest respect and gratitude to the staff at Sander's Senior Living Community; Warwick Forest; and Riverside Hospice, for their professionalism and compassion. Mother's final journey was more serene and peaceful with your ministrations. God bless you all.
In our mother, Julia's, memory, donations may be made to St. Therese Catholic Church, 6262 Main Street, Gloucester, VA 23061; Riverside Hospice, 500 J Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601; or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.