SHIRLEY ANN DONLEY HARRIS

SHIRLEY ANN DONLEY HARRIS, 90, passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Born in Logans port, Ind., Shirley was a daughter of the late John and Mary (Bell) Donley. She graduated from Logans port High School, where she was active in speech and drama. While in high school, she had a children's story program on WSAL radio. After her daughters were all in school, Shirley earned her Bachelor's degree from Indiana University in education while working full time and taking night classes at IPFW. She then earned her master's degree from Purdue University in library science and gifted education. She began her career in education in 1966 as a library aid at Northwood Junior High. She served as librarian at Mable K. Holland and Washington Center elementary schools, and then returned to Northwood Middle School to work as librarian-media specialist. She later served in F.W.C.S. administration as head of the elementary school libraries and writer of gifted curriculum, and taught classes at IPFW. After retirement, Shirley enjoyed traveling and doing extensive research on the family genealogy. She was a member of the Mayflower Society and Daughters of the American Revolution, having verified twelve Revolutionary War participants. She was a member of St. Joseph United Methodist Church, serving on numerous committees and teaching Adult Sunday School for many years. She was also active in Fort Wayne's Settlers, Inc, and the PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Sisterhood. Shirley was a strong leader, always open to learning and committed to educating others. Surviving are her daughters, Cathy (Robert) Miller of Churubusco, Ind., Susan (Larry) Hodapp of Kettering, Ohio, Jana (Mark) Lese of Fort Wayne, and Gillian "Jill" (William Cowan) Harris of Bloomington, Ind.; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren with two on the way. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Harris; and sister, Sharon Vernon. Service is 11 a.m. Saturday, May 6, 2023, at FairHaven Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton St., with calling one hour prior. Calling also from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 5, 2023, at the funeral home. Burial in Highland Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or PEO International. Shirley's daughters would like to thank the staff at Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne and Promedica Hospice for their kind and thoughtful care of their mother.