Virginia Ann "Gina" Harris

1951 - 2022

San Antonio - Virginia Ann ("Gina") Henggeler Harris passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 8, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. Gina was born on September 24, 1951 in Brownsville, Texas to Frank and Mary ("Chickie") Henggeler, and grew up in Brownsville and Harlingen in the Rio Grande Valley. Gina graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1974 with a B.A. major in geography. Following graduation, her love of travel guided her to spending a year in Europe, divided between Switzerland and three months sequestered in Egypt after the Yom Kippur War. In 1976, Gina traveled to Paris where she spent a year studying French and attending traditional cooking classes taught in French at Le Cordon Bleu, from which she graduated with its certificate. Having fallen in love with John W. Harris earlier, Gina agreed to his meeting her in Paris. Upon his arrival, John proposed marriage to Gina at Café de la Paix, and, fortunately, she accepted. They were married in 1977 and remained very happily married thereafter.

Gina embarked, naturally, upon a career in the Travel industry by joining Rennert World Travel where she rose to the position of Vice-President- Business Travel. At her passing, Gina was an independent Travel Advisor representing VIRTUOSO®, affiliated with Sanborn's Travel Service, the leading global travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel.

Gina was active in social organizations including The Argyle in San Antonio and the Rancho Viejo Country Club in Brownsville.

Our loss of Gina to her higher calling to her Lord leaves a void, yet the void is only temporary and is replaced by her memory, inspiration, and love which will live on in our hearts. Gina was a beautiful, loving, generous and fun person. She had joie de vivre that made her so special to so many.

Gina is survived by her husband, attorney John Wallis Harris of San Antonio and Brownsville, and her sisters, Kristine Funk, Madeleine Justice, and Heidi Perdue all of San Antonio. She is also survived by two nieces, Kendra Carter Ricks and Lisa Henggeler; two nephews, Jimmy Henggeler and Trevor Perdue; and two special god daughters, Julia (Harte) Sairam and Elizabeth Virginia Piazza.

Honorary Pallbearers are Mr. Mike Young of Austin, TX, Mr. Tom McKenzie of Key Largo, FL,

Mr. Marshall B. Miller of San Antonio, TX, Mr. Mauricio Carranza of San Antonio, TX, Mr. Johnny Champion of Rancho Viejo, TX, Mr. Claiborne B. Gregory Jr. of San Antonio, TX, Mr. Edward Garcia of Brownsville, TX, Mr. Barry Putegnat, Jr. of Brownsville, TX, Mr. Grady Deaton of Brownsville, TX, and Dr. Thomas R. Piazza MD of Destin, FL.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:

The Texas Biomedical Research Institute, P.O. Box 760549, San Antonio, TX 78245; and,

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105

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