Obituary of Irene Maria Harris

Irene Maria Harris, 1921-2016 Born Irene Ledergerber in Gossau, Switzerland, Irene was the oldest of 8 children. She emigrated to Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada with her beloved husband, Leslie Harris, in 1952. Following Leslie’s death, she enjoyed several happy years with her companion Hugh Fellowes. Irene moved to Bayfield, Ontario in 2005 to be with her daughter, Roma Harris and partner Leslie Bella. She is also survived by Hugh’s daughters, Angela and Jane and remaining siblings, Hugo, Thomas and Ivo Ledergerber and Heidi Fraefel. Irene had a successful career as a social worker, including as district supervisor for child welfare and financial services in Mission and area. She will be remembered for her stylish elegance, canny bridge play, her straightforward expression of opinion and her great love of music and travel. As she did throughout her life, she showed great dignity and grace during her final difficult days. Roma and Leslie would like to thank our wonderful friends for their love and support and to recognize the kind staff of the Bluewater Nursing Home in Zurich for their compassion and gentle ways. Following Irene’s wishes there will be a champagne reception for family, friends and neighbours at 18 Louisa Street, Bayfield on Friday, June 24 between 4 and 5 p.m.