Teresa A. Harris

Teresa A. Harris
1935 - 2023
Springfield
Teresa A. Harris, 88, passed away on November 11th, 2023 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. She was born on July 1st 1935 in Niagara Falls, NY, the daughter of the late Carl H. and Margaret (Markey) Harris. She graduated from Cathedral High School and the College of Our Lady of the Elms. She received a Master's Degree from Springfield College and an MSW from the University of CT School of Social Work, as well as an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Elms College in recognition of her many contributions to the field of social work. She worked as a social worker at Mercy Hospital; the Area Mental Health Clinic in Holyoke; and retired from The Children's Study Home in Springfield after thirty one years.
Over the years the taught part time as a social worker at American International College to many undergraduate students who later became social workers. She also served as a field advisor for social work students from the University of CT School of Social Work; Springfield College School of Social Work; and Yeshiva University School of Social Work. She also received various honors over the years including the YWCA Women of Achievement Award; Parents Anonymous Volunteer Award; Springfield Council for Children Child Advocate of the Year Award; and the Child and Family of Pioneer Valley Community Service Award. Both during her active career and after retirement she served as a volunteer for various community agencies including the Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Hampden County; Gandara Center; Headstart Program; Early Childhood Education Program; Northern Education Services; as well as the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
She is survived by her beloved sister Margaret (Harris) (Gorter) Stasiowski and her husband Richard; her nephew Robert Gorter, and niece Catherine Gorter. She also leaves several great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents as well as her niece Ann Stasiowski and nephew Paul Gorter. Her funeral will be held on Wednesday December 13th beginning with a visitation from 9:30-10:30am at Sampson Funeral Home, 710 Liberty St in Springfield. Her funeral mass will follow at 11am at St. Michael's Cathedral in Springfield. Her burial will be held at a later date at the families convenience. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are kindly directed to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 577 Carew St Springfield, MA 01104.