Jeanne E. Harris
December 4, 1940 – March 5, 2024
Jeanne E. Harris (nee Helser) passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. She was 83 years old. She was born at Northeastern Hospital in Philadelphia and grew up in the Fox Chase section of the city. She was a 1958 graduate of Frankford High School and a 1961 graduate of Episcopal School of Nursing in Philadelphia. She was employed at Episcopal Hospital and Lower Bucks Hospital before taking a break to raise her family. She went back to work and retired from Harris Comfort in Bristol Borough.
A longtime resident of Hulmeville, Jeanne is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dave, and their three sons and daughters-in-law, David R. (Diane), T. Scott (Christine), and Douglas A. (Michele). She will be sadly missed by her grandchildren, Taylor, Jillian, Ryan, Dana, David Jacob (DJ), Courtney, and Scotty Harris. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bruce & Christine Harris, Stephen Harris (the late Marina), Tom & Patricia Harris, and Jeannie & Stan Phillips. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Cindy Weber-Laughlin (Rob), Matt Weber (Pam), John Buck, Marilyn Fox (Chuck), Erica Phillips, Candice Harris-Mundy (Patrick), and Stacy Phillips, as well as several great nieces and nephews. “Ma J” will be missed by Phiroza Stoneback (nee Hathiram) who was an exchange student who quickly became part of the Harris family; and her Yorkie, Daisy Mae. Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents Russell W. and Grace R. Helser (nee Kleinz) and her sister Dorothy G. Weber.
Raised in the Methodist faith, Jeanne was a 45-year member of the Presbyterian Church at Bristol where she served as a Sunday school teacher, Trustee, Elder, and was a member of the choir and bell choir. When the Bristol church closed, she and Dave became members of Newtown Presbyterian Church.
Jeanne moved from Philadelphia in 1963 when she married Dave. They settled in Hulmeville Borough and that has been “home” ever since. Their home has been the center of many family birthday and holiday celebrations. Those family gatherings have expanded to include neighbors and friends. And although she was not a Bristolian, through her marriage to Dave, Bristol became an integral part of her life. She enjoyed attending Dave’s high school reunions as well as many other functions in Bristol. When they first met in 1961 at a mutual acquaintance’s wedding reception, the night was young and so Dave took her to socialize at Goodwill Hose Company #3.
Jeanne was a member of the Bristol Junior Travel Club, a lifetime member of William Penn Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, the Hulmeville Historical Society, and the Langhorne Community Memorial Association. She also served as a Cub Scout Den Mother.
Jeanne and Dave have been fortunate to travel the United States, Canada, South America, the Caribbean, Australia, and Europe. They enjoyed traveling with their family and with their longtime friends, Sam and Dottie Black, as well as with their neighbors and friends of neighbors.
Anybody who knew Jeanne knew she loved dogs, which is surprising since she did not grow up with any pets. Six months after they got married, Dave snuck a puppy into the house. From that point on, they’ve always had a dog. Some of those dogs were dalmatians and that lead to her collecting anything and everything dalmatian. She was also a fan of Donald Duck and has a large collection of nativity scenes.
Besides singing in choirs in school and church, Jeanne enjoyed classical and country music as well as her beloved traditional church hymns. She also played the accordion and piano. She enjoyed the theater in New York and Philadelphia, as well as the Bristol Riverside Theatre. She also enjoyed the Delaware Valley Philharmonic Orchestra concerts.
Friends may call Friday evening, March 15, 2024 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Wade Funeral Home, 1002 Radcliffe Street, Bristol Borough and Saturday morning, March 16, 2024 from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at Newtown Presbyterian Church, 25 North Chancellor Street, Newtown. Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Newtown Presbyterian Church followed by interment at Beechwood Cemetery, Bensalem, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Salvation Army Levittown, 215 Appletree Drive, Levittown, PA 19055; Newtown Presbyterian Church, 25 North Chancellor Street, Newtown, PA 18940; Stanford Medicine Center for Narcolepsy, Stanford University Development Services, P.O. Box 20466, Stanford, CA 94309 (indicate “Support for the Mignot Lab at Stanford”); Chandler Hall Hospice Services, 99 Barclay Street, Newtown, PA 18940; or Mercy Ships, P.O. Box 2020, Garden Valley, TX 75771.
Service Details
Viewing Hours
Friday, March 15, 2024
6:30PM-9:30PM
Wade Funeral Home
1002 Radcliffe St, Bristol, PA 19007
Viewing Hours
Saturday, March 16, 2024
9:30AM-10:45AM
Newtown Presbyterian Church
25 N Chancellor St, Newtown, PA 18940
Funeral Service
Saturday, March 16, 2024
11:00AM
Newtown Presbyterian Church
25 N Chancellor St, Newtown, PA 18940
Interment
Saturday, March 16, 2024
To Follow Service
Beechwood Cemetery
2026 Bensalem Blvd, Bensalem, PA 19020
In Memory of
Jeanne E. Harris
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Harry Crohe shared a condolence
I am saddened by the passing of Jeanne. Her and her husband Dave are the nicest people that I know. When I was unemployed they hired me and treated me like a member of their family. She worked in the office and was well respected by all that knew her. May she rest in peace.
3/7/2024
Gaby Gaby shared a condolence
I was Jeanne's caregiver for a short time last year, I'm thankful that God gave me the chance to meet my lady. My condolences to Dave and the family. Thank you for your hospitality inviting me for dinner.
3/9/2024
Laurie Ritter Bryner shared a condolence
Thinking of your family, the Labor Day picnics in the circle, and Mrs. Harris breaking out the accordion for all the neighbors. Hoping your happiest memories bring you peace.
3/16/2024
Natalie Burns shared a condolence
My sincere condolences to the entire Harris family and especially to you Mr. Harris. I am so very sorry for your huge loss. May Mrs. Harris Rest in Peace 🙏🏽
3/7/2024
Phyllis Wood Devine shared a condolence
So sorry to hear, Dave! Prayers are on the way!
3/9/2024
Suzanne Herger shared a condolence
Deepest Sympathy to the Harris family on the loss of your matriarch, Jeanne Harris. It was a joy to serve with her and watch your family grow at Bristol Presbyterian Church singing in the choir and share Sunday School together.
I was so happy Dave and Jeanne come to Newtown. May your family find comfort and peace knowing others mourn with your loss.
3/15/2024
Philomena Profy shared a condolence
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
3/8/2024
Jeanne Good shared a condolence
Too many memories to post - some sad, tragic but mostly amusing!
3/8/2024
Vincent Cornacchione shared a condolence
My condolences to the Harris family.
3/15/2024
Peg Kindt shared a condolence
Some people leave a mark of joy on your heart just by being who they are-that was Mrs. Harris (mom-mom to those of us in the nursery). I am grateful for having known you and all of your tremendous family through Bristol Pres. My thoughts and comfort are sent to each and every one of you. You are each a reflection of her spirit and love.
3/19/2024