Suzanne A. Harris

1944 - 2022

HARRIS

SUZANNE A. HARRIS

The family of Suzanne Harris is sadly obliged to acknowledge that they lost their beloved Suzy on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, due to natural causes.

Suzanne Aubuchon Harris was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on July 21, 1944, to Maurice Alfred Aubuchon and Rolande Denise (Cote) Aubuchon. Her family lived there until they moved to Derry, NH, where her father managed one of several family-owned businesses. Suzanne earned a B.A. at Emmanuel College in Boston and her M.A. in American Studies at the University of Maryland in College Park. She enjoyed teaching American history and a number of other subjects at Catholic grammar schools in the D.C. area. Her interest in American history and politics strengthened Suzanne in her career as a professional archivist for two decades at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). She thoroughly enjoyed providing research guidance to historians, journalists, writers, and graduate students concerning many subjects of significant interest to the public.

In addition to teaching and an accomplished career at NARA, Suzy was proudest of her three sons — Christian Andrew (born 1973), Justin Prescott (1976), and Nicholas Alexander (1981) — and nine grandchildren. Known as "Mémé" to her grandkids, she was a constant presence and the loudest supporter at their organized sports and school events. Suzy's love and devotion for her husband, Ken, and passionate desire to be an unwavering matriarch for her sons and grandchildren will make her spirit an everlasting part of the Harris family for decades to come.

Suz was loved and admired by her large extended family and group of friends. She had a wonderful sense of humor, which frequently led to her playing practical jokes on those she loved. Her incredible memory of life experiences constantly amazed people, as she could readily recall what her family and friends did to celebrate various occasions in life. One of Suz's favorite pastimes was reading. She loved sharing thoughts and experiences about life with members of a local book club and with family and friends who were also gleaning important information from shared studying and reading endeavors.

Suzanne is survived by her husband of 53 years, Ken Harris, by their three sons — Christian (Megan) and his sons Aidan and Evan - Justin (Kerri), his daughter Carter and sons Walker and Landon - as well as Nicholas (Anna), his daughter Clare and three sons, Hayes, Tompson, and Carr. Suzy treasured her nine grandchildren beyond words. She is also survived by her three siblings — Elaine (Gerry Letendre), Lise (Bill Letendre), and Maurice Aubuchon (Lorraine).

The Basilica of St. Mary will celebrate a funeral Mass in Suzanne's honor at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 14. A reception will follow at the Basilica's Lyceum at 313 Duke Street near the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Basilica of Saint Mary, 310 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.