Sister Claudette Harris

Harris, Sister Claudette
ALBANY - Sister Claudette Harris died peacefully at the Teresian House in Albany, N.Y., on February 4, 2026. She had been a Sister of St. Joseph for 70 years. Born in Syracuse, N.Y., she was the daughter of Roy and Bernice Harris. Educated in both elementary and secondary Catholic schools in Syracuse, she received her B.S. and M.S. degrees in Education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, N.Y.
Following her many years as an elementary school teacher, then Principal, Sister Claudette became Coordinator of Student Teachers at the College of Saint Rose, a position she held for nearly 10 years.
In 1986, Sister Claudette became the Executive Director of Sunnyside Center in Troy, N.Y. Sunnyside provided multiple services to children, ages three through 12, in the form of After School, Summer Recreation, Mentoring and Tutoring Programs. She had an untiring commitment and dedication to improving the social, economic, educational and civic conditions of her community. Sister was known as the "heart and soul" of Sunnyside. The programs initiated at Sunnyside earned her the trust and the respect of families and individuals she served, as well as the many agencies, boards and committees she interacted with over the years.
Following her tenure at Sunnyside, Claudette became Coordinator of the Sister Care Ministry, meeting the needs of the frail elderly and people with disabilities, who desire to live independently, but cannot afford private pay agencies. She thrived in her demanding ministries, finding her support from friends, her sisters in the CSJ community and former College of Saint Rose colleagues.
Sister Claudette was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, Roy and Richard; and her sister-in-law, Bonnie Harris. She is survived by her nieces Michelle Ruggiero, Cathy St. Andrew and Kelly Howard, and their families. Claudette will be missed by them, her many friends, and the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Wake services will take place at St. Joseph's Provincial House, in Latham, on Monday, February 9, from 2 to 4 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 3 p.m. The funeral Liturgy will be held on Tuesday, February 10, at 10:30 a.m.
The sisters would like to thank the staff at St. Joseph's Provincial House, as well as those at the Teresian House for the care and concern offered to Sister Claudette throughout these past few years. Contributions in Sister Claudette's memory may be made to the Office of Mission Advancement, St. Joseph's Provincial House, 385 Watervliet Shaker Rd., Latham, N.Y., 12110. Please visit https://dufresneandcavanaugh.com