Margaret Harris

As family and friends will surely agree, Margaret Harris truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and she was a steady model of perseverance. Nothing brought Margaret greater joy than surrounding herself with her loved ones. Her primary focus in life was fostering deep and personal relationships with those around her, and her selfless heart allowed her to impact the lives of countless others. Forever loved, Margaret will be dearly missed by those who knew her best.

The 1920s were certainly an exciting time to be alive in the United States. The “Roaring 20s,” as the decade is known, ushered in great economic and social change. Motion pictures became widely available in both color and sound, and ballroom dancing and jazz music became wildly popular as well. It was during this exciting time that Ivan and Elizabeth (Erickson) Alexis of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who had immigrated from Ostergotland, Sweden, were awaiting the arrival of their baby. On November 16, 1923, they welcomed their daughter, Margaret Dorothy, into the world.

In many ways, Margaret grew up as a typical girl of her generation. She was raised in the family home in Grand Rapids alongside her siblings, Norman, Eleanor, and Ike. Margaret’s father, Ivan, supported his family through the Great Depression by selling donuts, then founded Alexis Furniture Co. in 1945 while her mother, Elizabeth, was a dedicated homemaker famous for her pies, bread, and cinnamon rolls. Throughout her childhood, Margaret enjoyed swimming and sledding. She attended local schools and was an excellent basketball player, even getting a picture of her game-winning shot in the trophy case at Rodgers High School. Margaret graduated from Godwin High School, eager to see what the future held.

Exciting changes were on the horizon for Margaret as she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Jack Harris, and the two were first introduced by Jack’s father, who also happened to be Margaret’s boss at the time. Jack had just returned home from serving in the United States Navy. Margaret and Jack felt an instant spark. Over the next year of dating, their relationship blossomed as they fell deeper and deeper in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Margaret and Jack were married at East Church on December 21, 1946. The newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon in Detroit before settling down in Clyde, Ohio.

Of all the things Margaret loved in life, she treasured her family above all else. She and Jack were overjoyed to welcome their three beloved children, Robert, Thomas, and Jane, into their hearts and home. Margaret thrived in her role as a mother. She strove to care for her children to the best of her ability, and she was their biggest supporter and fiercest protector. Later in life, Margaret was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and took every opportunity to babysit and spend quality time with them. Margaret was also an aunt to several nieces and nephews. She always considered herself blessed to watch her family grow to include so many loved ones.

Over the years, Margaret worked in a variety of jobs and fields. She was a nanny, and she also worked as a secretary at Kelvinator. For a time, Margaret worked as a lunch helper at CA Frost. Eventually, she settled into her longtime job in the mailroom at Michigan Bulb. Margaret was always willing to work hard in order to provide for herself and those who depended on her.

Never one to sit still for long, Margaret pursued many hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She enjoyed knitting, playing Bingo, and spending time at the casino. Margaret loved cooking, and she became very well known for her chicken dumplings, sweet sauerkraut, and rugmoots. She found meaningful ways to honor her heritage through her cooking. Margaret’s favorite foods included coney dogs, burritos, hamburgers, and biscuits with gravy, but she refused to eat eggs or fish. Her favorite song was “Tennessee Waltz,” and she also liked listening to Lawrence Welk. Margaret played the organ. She cherished her toy piano, organ, ice skates, and Bingo bag. Margaret was able to enjoy a trip to Disneyland in 1957, as well as camping and trailer trips to Brooks Lake that were the foundation for many priceless family memories. Later on, she traveled to Las Vegas, Mackinac Island, the Grand Ole Opry, Panama City, and Puerto Rico.

When reflecting on the long and overflowing life of Margaret Harris, it is easy to see both her unwavering resilience and her unconditional love for her family. She was a shining example of kindness and quiet strength, and she was known to open her arms to anyone and everyone. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Margaret was a friend to many and beloved by all. Her insatiable zest for life could be felt by those around her, and she was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others. Though she will be deeply missed, Margaret leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Margaret Dorothy Harris, age 101, passed away peacefully January 8, 2025. Margaret was born November 16, 1923 in Grand Rapids to the late Ivan and Elizabeth (Erickson) Alexis. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Jack Harris; and siblings, Norman Alexis, Eleanor Bierens, and Iver Alexis; and daughter-in-law, Charlene Harris. Margaret will be remembered for her cheerful disposition and sense of humor. Surviving are her children, Bob (Jan) Harris, Tom (Sue) Harris, Jane (Eugene Jr.) McBride; grandchildren, Jeff Harris, Jim (Sarah) Harris, Scott (Jane) Harris, Sherri (Marc) Geraux, Angela Morse, Crystal (Jason) Trost; 9 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends may visit with her family beginning at 10 AM. Inurnment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Emmanuel Hospice.