Bernadette Harris

Miss Bernadette Harris, Lay Apostolate, was embraced by the angels and loved ones who passed before her at 4:22pm on August 21st. It was the Feast Day of Our Lady of Knock, which had a special significance to her.  She had prepared well for her journey and faced death with a fearlessness unknown to most. She had particularly been looking forward to reuniting with her parents, Mary (Rowan) Harris and James Harris, eldest sister Kathleen Colella, and beloved friend John Milton of England.  

She had a special devotion to the Right to Life movement, the Virgin Mary, and was dedicated to the approved apparitions of Our Lady of America in Indiana and the apparitions happening in Medjugorje; in which Bernadette visited this beloved place many times. She was cherished by many international and domestic pilgrims and friends, many of which she stayed in close contact. She was a true force when she believed in something strongly. Her love of children was very clear, she loved playing with them with her own larger-than-life enthusiasm.   

She is survived by 10 of her brothers and sisters; twin Geraldine Forstrom, Patricia Harris, Charles Harris, James Harris (Chris), John Harris (Jane), Margaret Borsella, Ann Johanson (Ray), Jean Johnson, Helen Martin (Manny), and Maureen Satligan (Ferit). Her stories of growing up in a household numbering 14 in the Bronx were unforgettable. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including many of whom she helped to raise, most recently Jennifer H. Forstrom D’Agostino (Joseph), Melanie Forstrom (Beth) and Melissa Forstrom Al kadhi (Tameem). She was godmother to Melanie Forstrom and Jessica Harris (Nico). She doted on all her nieces, nephews, godchildren and, in recent years, their children- most recently her “little big man” Abraham T. Forstrom Al kadhi. He turns 1 this week and will surely miss his great-aunt’s unforgettable candor, enthusiasm and big-hearted love.   

Family and friends are invited to Pleasant Manor Funeral Home, Inc. at 575 Columbus Avenue, Thornwood, New York 10594 on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Bernadette at Holy Innocent's Church in Pleasantville on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 11:00 am.  She will be laid to rest at St. Raymond's Cemetery in the Bronx, New York.

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