Obituary for Deirdre Jill Harris
HARRIS, Deirdre Jill
May 26, 1931 – August 20, 2022
Jill passed away peacefully at Providence Care Hospital in her 92nd year. Loving mother of Debbie Harris (Garry Sterling), Mark Harris (Teresa Mallen), and Linda Peck (Chris Peck). Beloved Grandmother of Keiry (Mike), Sharra, Alex (Olivia) and Graham, and great-grandmother of Blaidd, Rhianna, Natalie and Luke. Cherished by brother Barry Arch and nephew Wayne Arch. Former spouse of Roy Harris. Predeceased by parents Leslie and May (Peggy) Arch.
Born in Derby UK, she immigrated to Canada as a young wife in 1957. After eventually settling in Kingston, she enjoyed a long career at Queen’s University, receiving a distinguished service award in 1994. The founder and president of the Staff Association, and early Premier's appointee to the Ontario Council on University Affairs, she was passionate about fairness and equity. She left the Agnes Etherington Arts Centre richer for voluntarism and expertise.
Jill greatly enjoyed lunches with friends and a good competitive game of cards. Her love of fine art was expressed through painting and building a personal art collection. She pursued many creative outlets like stamping and sewing, and she loved bird watching. Endlessly curious, with a rich spiritual perspective, she championed women’s rights, and environmental issues.
Jill will be dearly missed by family and many friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Jill was a long-time supporter of Ecojustice Canada and donations may be made to that charity in her name at https://ecojustice.ca/
May 26, 1931 – August 20, 2022
Jill passed away peacefully at Providence Care Hospital in her 92nd year. Loving mother of Debbie Harris (Garry Sterling), Mark Harris (Teresa Mallen), and Linda Peck (Chris Peck). Beloved Grandmother of Keiry (Mike), Sharra, Alex (Olivia) and Graham, and great-grandmother of Blaidd, Rhianna, Natalie and Luke. Cherished by brother Barry Arch and nephew Wayne Arch. Former spouse of Roy Harris. Predeceased by parents Leslie and May (Peggy) Arch.
Born in Derby UK, she immigrated to Canada as a young wife in 1957. After eventually settling in Kingston, she enjoyed a long career at Queen’s University, receiving a distinguished service award in 1994. The founder and president of the Staff Association, and early Premier's appointee to the Ontario Council on University Affairs, she was passionate about fairness and equity. She left the Agnes Etherington Arts Centre richer for voluntarism and expertise.
Jill greatly enjoyed lunches with friends and a good competitive game of cards. Her love of fine art was expressed through painting and building a personal art collection. She pursued many creative outlets like stamping and sewing, and she loved bird watching. Endlessly curious, with a rich spiritual perspective, she championed women’s rights, and environmental issues.
Jill will be dearly missed by family and many friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Jill was a long-time supporter of Ecojustice Canada and donations may be made to that charity in her name at https://ecojustice.ca/