Marie Margaret Harris, 71 of Monticello, NY passed away at home Thursday, September 24th after a long illness.

She was born in Troy, NY, on August 5, 1955, to parents Arthur J. Banker and Myrtle Banker. She attended Wynantskill Elementary School and Troy High School graduating in 1973. She then attended Albany Business College where she met her future husband, Kirk. After college she worked for the state law reporting bureau. She married Kirk on November 5th, 1976, and the couple moved into their first house in Loudonville, NY. In 1980, their first son Brad was born, followed by Kyle in 1981. In 1983 they moved to Monticello and completed the family with the births of Jennie in 1984 and Ashley in 1987. Marie was very involved in the children’s school and often volunteered in the classrooms.

When the kids got older, she went back to work as the owner of the JC Penney Catalog Store and Candy Bouquet Arrangements. She loved working together with all the kids in the business and enjoyed and appreciated all her many customers.

After retiring from this she involved herself in learning to quilt and joined the Calico Geese Quilters serving many years as the group’s treasurer. She enjoyed attending the meetings and seeing all the members. She never forgot anyone’s birthday and had a long list of dates and a large supply of cards and stamps. Her unique handwriting always told the recipient who was sending you something before you opened the card. She was also a long-time member of the United Methodist Church. She always enjoyed helping with dinners and events.

She is survived by her husband Kirkland Harris, sons Bradford (Marina), Kyle (Carrie) and daughters Jennie Sush (Matt) and Ashley Taggart (Scott). Also, grandchildren Amelia Taggart, Theodore Taggart, Arlo Sush, Isaac Harris and Rena Harris, in addition to a niece and many nephews, cousins and others.

Services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3rd at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home in Monticello. Visitation will be from 11am to 1pm and a memorial service starting at 1pm with Pastor Bette Sohn officiating. Interment of her ashes will be held at the Harris Brookside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Harris Brookside Cemetery, Inc., PO Box 221, Monticello, NY 12701.