Ellen McQuaid Harris

Ellen McQuaid Harris of Wilmington, Delaware, died on January 21, 2023. She was born on January 7, 1930 in Wilmington, Delaware and attended Ursuline Academy from preschool until graduation. In 1948, she entered the University of Delaware and graduated in 1952. While at the University, Ellen was active in the Children's Theater, the Women's Athletic Association, the Newman Club and served as a class officer in three of her four years there. In the summer of 1952, she married her college sweetheart, Richard Harris, and spent twenty-five years at home, raising their four children while substitute teaching in area schools. Subsequently, she taught school at Tower Hill School for 15 years.
In retirement, she attended Bible Study, enjoyed golf, tennis and swimming as well as volunteered with Dick at Emmanuel Dining Room and Meals on Wheels.
Ellen and her husband also enjoyed traveling, often visiting their children in Alaska, California and North Carolina. Ellen was actively involved with the Ursuline Academy Alumnae Association, where she served on the board. In 2003, Ellen and her husband, Dick, received the Outstanding Alumni Award from the University of Delaware.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Christ and her family were her highest priorities.
Ellen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dick, on November 2, 2020.
She is survived by her four children, Kathleen (David) Glover of North Carolina; R. Keith (Maria) Harris of Bear, Delaware; Virginia Burbridge of Anchorage, Alaska; Gregg (Betsy) Harris of Fallbrook, California; eleven grandchildren, David (Ashley) Glover; Andrew (Megan) Glover; Daniel (Jessica) Glover; Elizabeth Glover; Michael (Cammy) Hill; Kristin (Sean) Devlin; Julie (Thomas) Cotter; Jacob Harris; Kailey (J.D.) Lyberger; Matthew Burbridge and Rachel (Christopher) Koeppen as well as 23 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Virginia Nowland and 9 nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 24 at 10:00 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Weldin Rd. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM with interment immediately after in St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to the Ursuline Academy Alumnae Association or to the University of Delaware Class of 1952 Scholarship Fund.