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KATE HARRIS Obituary
Kate "Kitty" Webb Harris died peacefully on March 5, 2016 at her beloved home in Shelburne, Vermont, surrounded by her children. Kitty was born on January 3, 1948, the eldest daughter of Kate and Harry Webb, whose family founded Shelburne Farms and the Shelburne Museum, and a granddaughter of Electra and J. Watson Webb and Kate and B. Brewster Jennings. Kitty graduated from Hollins College, writing her thesis on the novels of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, and spending a year in Paris to study French literature, history, architecture, and art. Prior to Hollins, she attended St. Timothy's School, and later served on their Board of Trustees. Her great love was opera, which provided the soundtrack to her life. She served on the Metropolitan Opera Guild Board for 30 years, and was a Board member of the Bagby Foundation for the Musical Arts. In 1974 she married George Harris, a bloodstock agent, and they remained together until 1996. She is survived by her son, Jonathan Harris, an artist; her daughter, Amanda Herzberger, a photographer; Amanda's husband, Jeffrey; and their daughter, Norah. In her final moments, Kitty was looking out the window at the trees and the sky, listening to her favorite opera, Parsifal, and being held by her children. A gathering to celebrate her life will be held in Shelburne this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shelburne Farms.
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Memories and Condolences
for KATE HARRIS
Sponsored by Kitty's Children.
missie rennie
March 3, 2021
i am sad to hear the news. Kitty was part of my life so many years ago and I have always been so sad i never got to see her later in life. I have been thinking about her these last difficult years. She was a "delight" to my life when we were young. And I always kidded her, that if she had gone to Vassar (which she almost did!) i would have known her sooner in my life and kept in touch better. My loss Much love to all the family. Missie
Nancy Rossi
April 4, 2016
I am so grateful I got the chance to meet Kitty through her dear daughter Amanda. She created a life of such beauty and love around her, with her cherished Metropolitan Opera always close by. It was a treat to know she and I, in different New England states, listened in tandem to the SiriusXM Metropolitan Opera live broadcasts. That she had her treasured children, and Parsifal, with her, means the world to me. Her smile was a blessing of sunshine and her Vermont glory light will be a comfort to all who loved her. All my love to Amanda and her brother Jonathan and her husband Jeff and to precious little Norah.
Tina West
March 14, 2016
Kitty was a year behind me at St Tims - when she arrived at the school, she surprised me by saying "My grandmother says we're cousins," so we had some reason to be friends across different class years. ( My great-great grandmother was a Webb from Salem, so it's pretty darn distant, but our grandparents were friends, and my father, Eric West, used to hang out at Shelburne Farms. He loved what Alex was doing.
I hadn't been in touch with Kitty for years - not since I moved out of NYC in 1980, but I knew she was happily involved with the Met. I'm glad her family was with her all the way, and you have all my best wishes.
March 13, 2016
Your mother use to ride a great pony we had called Mighty Fine,they where a wonderful match!Johnathan and Amanda,I am so sorry.All my love Beth Secor
March 13, 2016
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Kitty was a dear Hollins and Hollins Abroad classmate. She brought a maturity and understanding to a group of 20 year olds traveling the world - something we sorely needed. I will never forget her quick wit and smile.
She will be missed greatly.
Suzanne Parker Yount (Hollins Class of 1970)
Anthony Warrender
March 11, 2016
Our deepest condolences to Jonathan, Amanda, Jeff and Nora.
Anthony and Patty Warrender
March 10, 2016
She has put on invisibility.
I cannot see but this I know.
Although the road ascends and passes from my sight,
I know there will be no night.
That you, dear Lord, will take her gently by the hand
And lead her on the road of life that never ends
And this that we call death, it is no more
Than the opening and closing of a door.
Anonymous
This sonnet was given me some time ago. I've always found comfort in its lines and trust you who read it will also. Laura and Arch, Brewster, Hope and Alexander.
March 10, 2016
Dear Amanda and Jeff,
Behzad and I had a privilege to meet Mrs. Harris at your wedding.
Our condolences to you and your family.
Our heart to you Amanda for loosing your precious mom.
Let us share your sorrow with you.
Love, Ashie Satvat
Jean Miller
March 10, 2016
With warmest sympathy to Kitty's family. How well I remember our shared experiences at St. Timothy's five decades ago. We touched base once in a while since I retired to Vermont ,and Kitty was always so upbeat. especially about her children. Ms Miller
March 10, 2016
Sincere condolences goes out to the Harris family or your sad loss. May GOD be with the family as you mourn your loss.
missie rennie taylor
March 10, 2016
I knew kitty when we were all newly in new York city and had daughters the same age...I loved my time with her so many years ago and am so sad to learn the news...missie rennie taylor
Janine Lopiano
March 9, 2016
Dear Jonathan and Amanda- wishing you peace knowing she is in peace; and warm memories tucked forever into the folds of your heart.
Holly Anne Barany
March 9, 2016
Dear Jonathan and Amanda so many happy memories of Shelburne with cousin Kitty and you two. We are saddened to here of your Mom's passing but also happy to read that she was with you and looking out at Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Even to her last breath she held court like a special box seat at the Opera (: we send much love and God bless Holly Anne and Mike Mark and Andrew in Bermuda xoxo
Peter Darling
March 9, 2016
Will miss you Kitty-fondly remember you coming to my school Stowe in England to see the Henry Moore exhibition of magnificent sculptures and your radiant smile.Love cousin Peter Darling in Bermuda.
Sue Dixon
March 9, 2016
A thoughtful neighbor and lovely soul: Kitty is deeply missed by all of us at Shelburne Farms. May those who loved her find peace and healing in these difficult times.
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