RUTLAND, NY – Doris “Eileen” Harris, 99, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Friday, February 13, 2026 at Samaritan Medical Center.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 10-12 pm at Reed & Benoit Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow at 12 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be held in the spring in Maple Hill Cemetery, Rutland.
Born in Rutland on January 28, 1927, Eileen was a daughter of the late Arthur and Helen (Curtis) Parks. Her parents and five siblings were all born in Canada. She is the only member of the family to be born in the US. She began her education in a one room schoolhouse in Rutland, attending through grade 7, then she completed her education at Copenhagen Central School, graduating in 1943. She became a licensed beautician in 1944 and operated a beauty salon in her home in the town of Rutland until retiring in 1990.
She was married to Roy L. Harris of Champion on June 10, 1945, at the Rutland Congregational Church by the late Reverend John Wetzel. Roy passed away July 9, 1999.
Eileen was a member and trustee of the Rutland church, a charter member of the church's Club '47, past chief, treasurer and charter member as well as Chaplain of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Rutland Fire Department.
She was the coordinator of the Rutland summer youth program for 23 years. She was also an election board inspector for Rutland District #1 for 55 years and Trustee of the Maple Hill Cemetery Association.
Eileen enjoyed being with family and friends, playing cards and dancing. She also loved dressing up for Halloween and won first prize several times at local dances. She treasured her summers at the cottage on Lake Ontario.
Eileen is survived by four children, Wayne (Doris) Harris of Watertown, Lauren (Sherry) Harris of Glen Park, Helen (Joe Coniglio) Reno of Watertown, and Shelly Waite of Sackets Harbor; 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Roy; a daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Sheldon Monteiro; a son-in-law, Herby Waite; and five siblings, Evelyn Staplin, Allan Parks, Earle Parks, Harold Parks, and Hilda Hayes.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Eileen’s memory may be left to the Maple Hill Cemetery Association, c/o Bill Dealing, Treasurer, 32940 County Route 163 Carthage, NY 13619, or to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, NY 13601.
Arrangements are with Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Inc. and condolences may be left online at www.reedbenoit.com.
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