Joan F Harris

Joan was born on November 6, 1931 to Mary Frances Harvey and Francis Wells; one of the eleven Wells children who lived on Main Mill Street in Plattsburgh, NY. She attended Plattsburgh High School, graduating in 1950 and went on to OLVA Secretarial School. In 1953, she married the love of her life, John Herbert Harris, and they were happily married for the next 57 years. After graduating from OLVA Secretarial School, Joan worked at the Veteran's Administration under Mr. Ignatius Lacombe for many years, being awarded for her excellence and high standards. She later transferred to Plattsburgh Air Force Base as administrative assistant to the General in charge of the War Room, a position granted top clearance. Joan stopped working when she and Herb adopted their two girls through Catholic Charities: Mary in 1962 followed by Kathleen in 1964. She lived in Peru, New York for 28 years, teaching Sunday School, and being a wonderful wife, mother, sister and friend. The family spent their summers on Cape Cod, where Joan and Herb owned and operated a series of successful motels from 1972 to 1985. In 1986, the Harris' retired from the motel business and moved their home from Peru to South Yarmouth, MA where both Joan and Herb earned their Real Estate licenses. Joan was an avid animal lover, having cared for over 15 lucky kitties in her lifetime. She was active in the local Catholic parish and a regular at bingo night until her health condition became too challenging. Despite several painful and difficult chronic illnesses, Joan always reached out to help others who were less fortunate than her. She overcame incredible odds, having received last rites four times over the course of her lifetime. A devout Catholic, her faith and compassion were so compelling that many friends and family nick-named her "Saint Joan". Joan is survived her husband, John Herbert Harris, her children Mary Harris and Kathleen Orlin as well as son-in-law Eric Orlin and Joan's grandchildren Sam and Ben Orlin. Joan is also survived by nine of her siblings: Geraldine Nero, Veronica Light, Kathryn Stone, Reginald and Denise Wells, Carol and Lee Buckley, Lawrence and Sandi Wells, Mary Collins, Charles and Mathilde Wells and James Wells. Joan was preceded in death by her sister Sheila Wells and her parents Mary Frances and Francis Wells. Calling hours will be Sunday, January 31, 2010 from 2:00 " 4:00 PM at Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, February 1, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Church. Interment will be at a later in the year in St. Peter's Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities, St. Anne's Hospital of Fall River, MA, or the American Lung Association. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901, (518)-561-3980. Online condolences and memorial candles maybe offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com