Greta Harris-Hardland

Greta Harris-Hardland, 74, passed away peacefully in her home on June 14, 2025 alongside her loving husband Jim. She was born on December 13, 1950 in Akron Ohio to the late Robert and Betty Harris. Greta was a passionate educator, devoted wife and mother and cherished friend. She will be missed deeply by all who remember her sharp wit, keen intelligence and ability to hold space for those who needed her.

Greta graduated from Kent State University in 1973 and pursued a career in education that spanned 41 years. She obtained her Masters Degree in Statistics in 2001 from Texas Women's University. Greta believed in the importance of mathematics in education and was a fiercely dedicated educator. She was strict, yet supportive – she believed in her students and was committed to help them reach their full potential. She taught everything from basic math to students in middle school to high school and college calculus. She was awarded Ohio Mathematics Teacher of the Year in 1980. While starting a family she taught night classes at San Diego City College. After the family moved to Texas she started teaching part time at Tarrant County College, later becoming a full time instructor and after a few years became Department Chair of Mathematics until her retirement in 2014.



To her children, Kierstin Hardland O'Kelley and Janna Hardland, Greta was a loving mother who instilled in them the same values she carried into her teaching – hard work, integrity, honesty and kindness. She believed her children could achieve anything they put their minds to and they, in turn, dreamed big. She was an example of loving loyalty to her husband and friends, showing them how to love and care for others.

Greta and Jim shared a deep bond and beautiful life together. They began their journey with a motorcycle trip from Maryland to Ohio followed by a driving trip to San Diego, a flight back to Maryland and another driving trip to San Diego in 1982 . They were married 42 years and never lost their love for travel. From roadtrips across the US visiting friends and family to European adventures in retirement, Greta loved to explore the beauty of the world next to Jim.

Greta cultivated friendships in every chapter of her life - from childhood, college and throughout her adult life. She made friends wherever she landed and stayed in touch no matter how far she wandered. She was steadfast, hilarious and loyal and will be deeply missed.

Greta is survived by her husband, Jim; her children Kierstin (and her husband, Ryan) and Janna (and her husband, Nick); and her brother, Rob. Greta was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Betty Harris and her brother, Don. Details about a memorial will be shared at a later date. In honor of Greta's passion for education, memorial contributions may be made to KidSpark Education, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help all children, especially those from underserved communities, to learn and love STEM: kidsparkeducation.org