Marie Harris

Marie Harris, 93, passed away at home with her family by her side. Her favorite Irish song, Danny Boy, happened to be playing on the radio when she passed.

Marie was born August 27, 1924 to John and Phoebe Farrell.

Marie was dearly loved by everyone who knew her. She never met anyone who didn’t call her a friend after five minutes with her.

Marie and her husband Eugene (Better known as Geno) had 69 beautiful years together. They were best friends and soul-mates.

Gene and Marie built their first house in Wells where all of their children were raised and many friendships were made. They later built a home in Kipling where they spent their remaining years together. Marie was a member of All Saints Catholic Parish in Gladstone, and Our Lady of Miraculous Medal in Bokeelia, Florida where Gene and Marie wintered for many years.

Family meant everything to Marie, her family included her friends, many of them who wintered in Florida and too numerous to mention individually. One special friend who does stand out is Rita Sturdy, who was her partner in crime. In their younger years, you never knew what the two of them would come up with at the Gladstone Golf Course. Marie was an avid golfer and a member of the Gladstone Golf Club. Her love for life, family and friends was immeasurable. Her passion was baking for everyone–especially her friends in Florida. They would gather every morning at Gene and Marie’s house to drink coffee, eat a variety of breads and cookies she had prepared and tell some pretty tall fish stories, each one trying to out-do the other. She loved hearing the bantering and laughter during these morning meetings. Marie had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. She always had a mischievous little twinkle in her eye. You knew she meant business when she would sternly point her finger at you. We all remember her favorite well used words like “umpteem”, “tidge”, “iota”. Marie loved to play cards with her family and friends. And hands down, she could beat anyone who challenged her in cribbage. She will be remembered for her great hugs and seeing her standing in her doorway waving goodbye when you left her house. Her loving smile and warm personality will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Marie is survived by her husband, Gene, children, Sandy (Erv) Vandeville, Jerry, Patti (Don) Seidl, Julie (Tim) Bishop, Nancy and Daniel. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren and several great grandchildren, one sister, Jean Gray and many nieces, nephews and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son Jack, sisters, Bernadine Grill, Lucille Nelson and brothers Lowell (Lucky), William, James and Robert (Pat) Farrell.

Marie’s family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 1:30PM to 3:30PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will follow visiting hours on Tuesday, at 4:00PM, at All Saints Church in Gladstone, with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. Luncheon will follow in the All Saints Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marie’s name may be directed to OSF Hospice 901 N. Lincoln Road Escanaba, MI 49829 or Meals on Wheels/Community Action Agency 507 1stAve. North Escanaba, MI 49829. Envelopes will be available throughout visiting hours. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.