Lucienne C. Harris, 95, of Winnemucca, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012.
She was born March 7, 1917, to Arthur LeGros and Irene Esperian LeGros in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.
Lucienne (Lou) was orphaned in 1924 at the age of 7 years. She was raised and educated in Seattle, Wash., until 1934 when she attended Holy Names High School in Oakland, Calif., and received her high school degree in 1936. Lou attended Holy Names College for one year. In 1937 Lou transferred to Eastern Washington University, in Cheney, Wash., where she received her teaching degree in 1939. Lou and Howard E. Harris met while they were attending college and they were married on July 3, 1939, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Lou said Howard asked her to dance and they have been in love from that moment forward. Lou followed her husband of 73 years wherever his mining adventures took them, in most cases quite remote areas in Washington, Idaho, Utah, Canada, and finally settling in Winnemucca.
Rarely a dull moment in their lives and in their adventures together.
Lou worked at ALCOA Aluminum Company and the Naval Training Station in Spokane, Wash., during WWII. During the war effort at home, Lou worked at various "Rosie the Riveter" positions. Lou began substitute teaching in 1953 in Manson, Wash. She taught full time in Chelan (1 year), Ephrata (5 years) and Bothel (3 years) in Washington State before moving to Winnemucca, where she taught elementary grades until her retirement in 1982. She also taught grades 1 through 6 for one year in Beowawe. Many former students from Washington and Nevada remember Mrs. Harris as their favorite teacher. She cared deeply about all her students and valued each one as unique and special. Lou received several awards during her career for her outstanding contribution and dedication to public education. She was a devoted educator.
Lucienne C. Harris was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Irene LeGros, her brother, Ralph Culton, her son, Terry Harris, a granddaughter, Desiree T. Behrens and a daughter-in-law, Kimberly Anderson. Lou is survived by her husband and the love of her life, Howard E. Harris of Winnemucca, a daughter, Shannon Harris Behrens (Kermit) of Ephrata, WA, a son, Darryl M. Harris of Lake Tahoe, four grandchildren, five step grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Lou was a shining light to her family and to all those who knew her. She had a great sense of humor and never complained about her circumstances. She was always more concerned about others than she was about herself. She knew how to laugh and enjoy life and inspired those qualities in her children. If Lou was in the room, it was a good place to be. She was a beautiful, classy lady, a wonderful mother and the best wife any man could ever ask for. Live life with laughter and love with all your heart is what Lucienne C. Harris was all about. She will be deeply missed and not one day will pass without a thought of her.
Services will be held on Sept. 15, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Winnemucca, 138 W. Winnemucca Blvd., Winnemucca. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service. Following the interment, everyone is invited back to the church basement for refreshments and shared memories.
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