Mary Harris

With the Lord in her 78th year. She passed away at Carleton Lodge, Ottawa on Saturday, October 12, 2013. Born in Kirkland Lake, ON, October 11, 1935. Predeceased by her parents Charles and Minnie Acton-Bond, and brother Charles. Survived by loving husband Col. Fred Harris; brother Michael; sisters-in-law Irene Harris of Chicago and Karen Acton-Bond of Ottawa. Mary was dear aunt to Susan Scott and Mary, Katie, Rebecca and Alexandria Acton-Bond. Stepmother to daughters Sheila Hunter, Irene Bathurst, Jane Naus and their families (including six great-grandchildren). The family of Mary’s mother, the Gambles, live in Port Dover, ON where Mary spent many happy times with them. Mary was a high school English teacher who took leave to attend Russian language school with her husband who had a two year posting to Moscow. This was followed by a final three years at SHAPE in Mons, Belgium. In both these diplomatic missions, Mary contributed greatly and was a fine representative of Canada. As an ardent gardener, she was a long time member and a past president of the Manotick Horticultural Society, past Director of District 2 (Eastern Ontario Area) and a past member of the Provincial Board of OHA and winner of the Silver Trillium Award, the highest honour of the Ontario Horticultural Society. She was a champion flower arranger and a certified OHA Horticultural and Floral Design Judge. In her spiritual home of St. James Anglican Church she often took great joy in arranging flowers as an active member of the Altar Guild. Mary was a warm friendly person with an outgoing personality and good sense of humour. She made friends readily and was highly regarded by all who knew her. A special thank-you to Dr. Russell, and the staff of “Rideau Village” for their excellent compassionate care and to sister-in-law, Karen Acton-Bond, her daughters and their families for their loving support. A memorial service will be held at St. James Anglican Church, Bridge St., Manotick on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 11 a.m. conducted by Rev. Ross Hammond. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated.