Mary Harris

Mary Catherine Harris

Mary C. Harris, 91, Hibbing, died Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at Fairview Range Medical Center in Hibbing.  She was born on September 12, 1924, in Superior, WI, to John and Catherine (Guinane) McGillis.  She graduated from Cathedral High School in Superior, WI.  She entered the Sacrament of Marriage on May 2, 1946, with Minton V. Harris.  They moved to Hibbing in 1953.  A homemaker by trade, Mary raised her family in Hibbing.

Mary was a devoted member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and an active volunteer at Assumption Hall, where her children attended school.  She assisted with many projects and activities both.  She was a dedicated member of the Women’s Club of Hibbing where she served in many positions.

Mary took great satisfaction in writing cards to anyone facing challenges, struggles, sadness, or illness to brighten their day and to let them know she was thinking of them.  Mary loved to travel with her husband Mint to see friends and relatives across the country.   Mary was very proud of her Irish heritage.  Her trip to Ireland was a highlight of her travels.

Mary loved to entertain, especially during holidays.  She cherished sharing her home and her excellent cooking with family and guests.  She was generous with her baking talents.  Her sugar cookies decorated for Christmas, Valentine’s and St. Patrick’s Day were a treat looked forward to by many.  They are still talked about today by her granddaughter’s friends.

Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt.  She cherished her family above everything and she devoted her life to their care and happiness.

She is survived by her children, Nancy Harris, Bethesda, MD and Minton J. (Jeri Durheim) Harris, Hibbing, MN; a brother, Eugene McGillis, Lake Nebagamon, WI; sister-in-law, Blanche Moen, Proctor, MN, two grandchildren, Bridget Catherine Campbell, Bethesda, MD, and Annie Minton Campbell, Washington D.C., many nieces and nephews, and her favorite furry four-legged friend, Murphy Brown.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Minton V. Harris in 2012; parents, John F. and Catherine (Guinane) McGillis; and her siblings: John McGillis, Marjorie Rinker, Patrick McGillis, Donna Engberg, Bernice McGillis, Grace A. Murray, and infant sister, Jean McGillis.

Funeral services for Mary will be 11 AM on Monday, March 7, 2016, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Hibbing.  The Rev. Fr. Gabriel Waweru will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial.  Visitation will be in church on Monday for one hour prior to the funeral Mass.  Pallbearers are; Timothy S. McGillis, Thomas J. McGillis, Mark G.  McGillis, William L. Moen, Todd A. Scaia, Gregory J. Paciotti, and Stephen McGillis.  Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery of Hibbing.  Arrangements are with Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.

To leave an online message of condolence for Mary, please visit us at; www.doughertyofhibbing.com .