Obituary of Agnes Bernadette Harris
Obituary for Agnes Bernadette Harris (née McCahill)
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Agnes Bernadette Harris, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at RWJ Hospital in Somerville, New Jersey. Surrounded by her loving family, Agnes departed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and kindness that will forever be remembered by those who knew her.
Born on October 17, 1925, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to William and Helen McCahill, Agnes was a beacon of light from the very beginning. Raised in the city of her birth, she blossomed into a compassionate and driven individual. Agnes's early life in Jersey City laid the foundation for a lifetime of learning and giving. After graduating from Cathedral High School in New York City, she furthered her education at Jersey City State Teachers College, embarking on a path that would lead her to touch the lives of many.
It was in her youth that Agnes met the love of her life, a friendship kindled through her older brother, Jimmy. At sixteen, she knew John Joseph Harris as her brother's friend, but their acquaintance grew into a loving marriage that would last sixty three years. After completing their education, Agnes and John married and began their journey together that was both fulfilling and adventurous.
Agnes's professional life began at Memorial Sloan Kettering, where she served with distinction as a registered nurse. Her caring nature and dedication to her patients were evident to all who worked alongside her. After the birth of her sixth child, Agnes chose to pause her nursing career to focus on her growing family. She embraced her role as a full-time homemaker with open arms, a decision that brought her immense joy and satisfaction.
The Harris household was a bustling home of love, laughter, and countless memories, growing to include eight children. Agnes's return to nursing saw her making significant contributions to Muhlenberg Hospital in Plainfield, where she continued to exemplify the virtues of compassion and professionalism.
Agnes was a devout Catholic, with a long-standing affiliation with St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Plainfield and later, Our Lady of the Mount Church in Warren, New Jersey. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and inspiring those around her.
Above all, Agnes cherished her role as a mother and grandmother. Her family was her greatest joy, and she poured her heart and soul into nurturing and supporting them. Her love for her husband, John, was a testament to their shared journey, filled with deep affection and mutual respect until his passing in 2016.
Agnes's passion for life extended to her community involvement, particularly her enjoyment of card games with the women's group in Warren. Her presence brought warmth and joy to every gathering, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the pleasure of her company.
Agnes is lovingly remembered by her eight children, William, Mary, Helen (Robert), James, Regina (Judson), Bernadette (John), Claire (Terrence), and John J. III (Susannah); her 16 grandchildren, Brian Kelly (Sarah), Matthew Kelly, Kayla Padilla (Robert), Laura Harris, Erin Bloodworth (James), Ciaran Way (Gordon), Patrick Kisling (Micael-Anne), Carolyn Collins (Joseph), Shauna DeLade (Gregory), Bridget Mulkerin, Kathleen Mulkerin, Julia Doran (fiance Nicola), Michael Doran (Nicole), Caroline Harris, Jack Harris, and Avery Harris; and her seven great-grandchildren, McKenna and James Bloodworth, Logan, and Sophia Padilla, Leonard and Vaeda Collins, and Reese Kelly. Her legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering support lives on through them and the many lives she touched.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Mount R.C. Church - Chapel, 167 Mount Bethel Road, Warren, NJ. She will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in Basking Ridge, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers or Our Lady of the Mount Church, charities close to Agnes's heart.
Agnes Bernadette Harris was a remarkable woman whose life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and family. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of those who knew her.
