Ethna D. Harris

Beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother Ethna Harris passed away in her South Salem, N.Y. home on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at the age of 91. 

Born on March 12, 1933, in Slieveroe, County Galway, Ireland, to the late Martin and Julia Carey. Ethna grew up with her three sisters and brother, in the town of Headford, in County Galway before moving to the United States at the age of 17 with her family.

Ethna married John J. Harris in 1957 at St. Martin of Tours church in Brooklyn, NY. Ethna and John had six children. They lost their infant son, Robert Michael, (Roger’s twin) who died at birth. They eventually settled in Twin Lakes Village, where she resided for 60 years. 

As a dedicated mother, she navigated the challenges of parenthood while simultaneously providing for her family. Ethna began her career as an executive secretary for TWA and IBM before transitioning to the role of bookkeeper and office manager at the Rockrimmon Country Club in Stamford, CT. where she retired after over 30 years.

Mom attended Mass regularly at St. Mary's Parish in Ridgefield, CT. She loved being in the presence of the Lord and for over 25 years she cherished her early morning Eucharistic Adoration hour in the St. Mary's Chapel.  

Ethna brought love to everyone she met with every word and deed. A gifted seamstress, her creativity and servant's heart touched countless lives through her handmade creations, from crocheted blankets, sewing and repairing clothing to crafting Raggedy Ann dolls with hand-sewn hearts. Ethna's life was filled with joyful, humorous moments, a result of the mischief that happens when raising five children.

Ethna had a remarkable ability to forge lifelong friendships, building deep and lasting bonds with her neighbors and the community. Her friendships were profound and enduring relationships that enriched her life and the lives of those around her. The core of a close-knit extended family, with cousins, nieces, and nephews spanning NY, CT, TX, and Ireland, she was the heart and soul, the binding force that helped keep them united. 

The comforting aroma of her warm Irish soda bread, Irish Stew, her delicious lasagna, and her savory pot roast greeted the many visitors she entertained. While gathered at the dining room table or sitting on the living room couch, she held a captive audience and would often bring her childhood memories to life, with tales rich in detail, making listeners feel as if they had experienced those moments alongside her.

On her 90th birthday, with her family all gathered, she shared a story about a prayer she learned from a monk in Headford, who would help work in the fields of the Carey family farm: "I kiss the wounds of your sacred feet with sorrow deep and true, may every step that I take today be a million acts of love for you." This transformative prayer shaped Ethna's heart and approach to life. 

In "Granny's" final days, some of her grandchildren sat by her bedside and read to her the prayers she had prayed daily. As they read aloud they came to understand the true depth of her quiet humility and unwavering dedication to prayer. She embodied St. Francis' prayer, "Make me an instrument of your Peace." Her trust and faith in Jesus spoke louder than any sermon ever could. Granny/Mom/ Ethna found the strength and wisdom to be a beacon of peace and understanding in the lives of others. Her legacy of love and devotion will forever be cherished by those blessed to have been a part of her life.

Ethna is preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Julia Carey, infant son Robert Michael, sisters Pat (Johnny), Maureen (Jack), Margaret (Frank), brother Mike and her former husband John "Jay" Harris . She is survived by her 5 children Kevin (Tonya), Dennis (Ingrid), Colleen, Roger (Claudia), Brian (Lillian), ten grandchildren, Kelsey (Jay), Samantha, Liam, Alexa, India, William, Michaela, Zachary, Avigail, Annabelle, and three great-grandchildren James, Annie, and John. 

Friends and Family will gather on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Kane Funeral Home 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield CT 06877; (203) 438-6597.

A Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Parish: 55 Catoonah St., Ridgefield, CT 06877 on Thursday at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the South Salem Cemetery, (next to Echo farm off of Spring Street) with a reception at the South Salem Presbyterian Church at 111 Spring Street, South Salem N.Y. 10590.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated members of the Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the compassionate hospice team, and the countless healthcare workers who provided exceptional care and unwavering kindness to our beloved mother throughout her journey. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lewisboro Ambulance Corps https://www.lewisborovac.org/ or EWTN at http://Ewtn.com

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