Obituary of Bernita Helena Harris

Harris, Bernita Helena (Damery) Gently as she wished at Kingston General Hospital on 21 March 2017. Predeceased by beloved husband Malcolm (Mac) Harris and one brother, Cecil Damery of New Brunswick. Survived by four dearly beloved children: Eve Harris and husband David Stamper of Guelph, and grandchildren Matthew and Elizabeth; Amy Lavender Harris and husband Peter Fruchter of Toronto, and granddaughter Katherine; Lt. Col. Holly Apostoliuk, O.M.M, C.D., and husband Michael of Almonte, and granddaughter Lillian; and Sgt. Joseph Harris, C.D., and his wife Cpl. Jennifer Bolch. Also survived by a dear brother-in-law Melvin Harris and his wife Sharon of Sussex, NB, a sister-in-law, Betty Damery of Gagetown, NB, and a number of dear cousins, nieces and nephews. Bernita Helena Harris was born in 1944 at Hunter’s Home, New Brunswick, to Thomas and Helena (Black) Damery. At the University of New Brunswick she earned B.A. and M.A. degrees, the latter with a specialty in T.S. Eliot and the work of maritime novelist Ernest Buckler. Twice she won the Bliss Carman Memorial Prize for poetry; her early work was published widely in regional and national poetry journals. Throughout her life, despite commitments to family and her forensic consulting work, Bernita continued to publish essays, poetry and short stories, and was the author of a popular literary blog. Her novel, Dark and Disorderly, was published by Carina Press in 2010. In 1964 Bernita married Malcolm (Mac) Harris of Sussex, NB. They lived in Fredericton and Burtts Corner, NB, in proximity to her graduate studies and his law practice, before moving to Toronto, ON in 1971. In Ontario they raised four children before retiring to Gananoque ON in 1990. In December of 2016 Bernita was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer. She received care at home until her condition compelled transfer to Kingston General Hospital. For her care at home and at the hospital grateful thanks are owed especially to Dr. Therrien of Gananoque, the staff at Kingston General Hospital , and to neighbours and friends for many kindnesses. Remembered always will be the strength and grace Bernita so singularly combined. How resolute she persisted thinking the best despite every evidence contrary. How she did so lacking no quality of understanding – but by choice, insight and unerringly incisive wit. When a light unlike any other must go out, we are not given to forget. Donations may be made to a charity of choice, with particular approval of the Gananoque Humane Society. Visitation at Tompkins Funeral Home, Gananoque, on Saturday 15 April 2017 from 1 to 3 pm.