Obituary of Lisa E Harris

Born March 14th, 1959.  

Died December 23, 2023

She is predeceased by her parents, John and Rita Fricchione; her brother, Richard (Jacquie); and mother-in-law, Clara Harris (Bill).

Survived by husband, Bill, sons, Will Harris (Monet) and granddaughter, Mila, Geoffrey Harris (Laura) and granddaughters, Lucy and Mabel; brother, Gregory Fricchione (Kathryn); nieces, Kristen, Marielle (Erich), nephew, Jonathan (Zoya), nephews, Andrew Fricchione (Caroline), Marc Fricchione (Schuyler).

Lisa grew up on Hobart Avenue in the Bronx and attended St. Raymonds Academy and later Iona College. She has always been described by family and friends as, simply, “a feisty tomboy.” Growing up with older brothers made her that way, it is said.

In 1981 she accepted a job with Xerox Corporation where she met her future husband, Bill. They became engaged in 1983 and married in 1984. They moved into a condominium in Tappan, NY, where in 1987 they were blessed with their first son, Will. In 1988 Xerox transferred Bill and his family to Fairport, NY. In 1989 after almost two years to the day they were blessed with another son, Geoffrey.

Geoff and Will grew up in a friendly and supportive neighborhood making many friends through schools, sports, ski clubs and cub and boy scout programs. Many of their friends would frequently visit and play in the backyard and basement recreation area. Lisa would often offer a meal to any friend that was visiting only if they let their mom know. As always with Lisa when a friend came to our door she would first ask, “How are you doing?” followed by, “How’s your family?” and finally, “Are you hungry?”. Lisa’s impact on her children was evident as she volunteered in many school activities by directing plays, reading to students and attending many field trips.

Lisa went on to exhibit her incredible singing voice by participating in a YMCA benefit show held yearly from 1994-1998. Singing was one of Lisa’s passions and her voice was always sweet music to everyones’ ears. Lisa was always attracted to the water and thoroughly enjoyed the days spent on the family boat in Sodus Bay with the family and many friends. The water was a perfect place to relax, unwind and watch the boys enjoy themselves along with the family dog, Bailey.

Following the boating years Lisa and Bill began traveling to the Boston area to be with her brother, Greg and sister-in-law, Kathy. There Lisa was intrigued and proud to be walking through many historic battle sites and would reflect on what those revolutionary days must have been like.

After many trips to Boston a trip to South Bristol, Maine was a favorite destination for many years. There, again, Lisa enjoyed being on or near the water with her family and friends. The delicious lobster and seafood was always on the menu.

At home one of Lisa’s favorite joys was cooking. Her skill in the kitchen was amazing and all of the visitors and family at her table were always well fed.

After her diagnosis in 2018 Lisa found time to fight her fight and attend the wedding of Geoff and Laura in 2019. She always felt blessed to be there for them. She remained well enough to take a vacation to Marco Island in 2020 with family and new friends and was grateful to be on the water again. Lisa remained strong to again attend the wedding of Will and Monet that year. She felt very blessed to welcome her first granddaughter, Mila, in 2021. Later that year she learned of the upcoming arrival of twin girls with Geoff and Laura; Lucy and Mabel, born in 2022. She spent many hours getting to know these new additions to her family showering them with love, affection and her gentle ways.

Many people have remarked at Lisa’s bravery and strength. She rarely complained and was always grateful to wake up to another day. Sincere thanks go to her family, friends and hospice nurses for all of your support, encouragement, flowers, gifts and prayers for her wellness.

Her message will always be live, love, laugh and be grateful for every day you have. And don’t forget to ask, “How's your family?”.

Lisa has always donated to St. Judes Cancer Research for children and feels strongly in curing this disease, especially in children. Thank you. stjude.org

Visitation will be Saturday, December 30 from 1-5 p.m. at Jennings, Nulton & Mattle Funeral Home, 1704 Penfield Road, Penfield.