Patricia Jean (McFarlane) Harris, 91, embarked on her final journey through this life on February 19, 2025. Born July 3, 1933, in Cleveland, Ohio (while Libra was ascending and with a Scorpio Moon) to James and Mona McFarlane, she quickly learned the fine art of survival as the second oldest of nine children—an early training ground for patience and diplomacy.
Pat was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was a devoted member of her Universalist Unitarian Church family and had a knack for bringing people together, offering wisdom (whether you asked for it or not), and making sure no one left a conversation without a smile. She touched countless lives, and if you knew Pat, you probably have a great story to tell.
In 1961, Pat married Warren Arthur Harris, kicking off a 54-year partnership full of love, laughter, and the occasional debate over who left the kitchen light on. Together, they raised five strong, spirited daughters (all born between 1962 and 1968) ensuring their home was never short on noise, opinions, or misplaced shoes.
Pat was preceded in death by her dearly loved husband, her parents, six of her siblings, four nephews and her first son-in-law, Matthew Allen. She leaves behind a legacy of love (and possibly a few stubborn streaks) in her five daughters: Margaret (Bill) Schmider, Kathleen (Tom) Hafele, Joan (Shannon) Walden, Elizabeth (Matthew) Allen, and Michelle (Troy) Adams, who will no doubt carry on her wit, wisdom, and legendary family stories. She is also survived by her youngest sister, Elaine (Spanky) McFarlane, her youngest brother, Michael (Sheila) McFarlane and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pat’s family was the center of her world, and she treasured every moment spent with them whether celebrating milestones or simply enjoying each other’s company. She took immense pride in her five daughters and, to her delight, found her sons-in-law to be pretty great additions to the family.
She also deeply cherished her twelve grandchildren: Michael Harris, Joshua Harris, Jacob Hafele, Jessica and Jennifer Schmider, Kyle Walden, Kassidy Hafele, Ayla Adams, Delaney Walden, MacKenzie Allen, Bowie Adams, and John Warren (Jack) Allen. Each one brought her happiness, and she never missed an opportunity to remind them how much they were loved.
Pat was overjoyed to become a great-grandmother, a role she embraced with love and pride. She welcomed eleven great-grandchildren into the family: Jayden Schmider, Liam Harris, Naevia Harris, Caylee and Caydence Wade, Nathan and Adelyn Hafele, Kolby and Isabelle Clauson, and Hudson and Colton Hafele.
A celebration of Pat’s life will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 11:11 a.m. (yes, 11:11 a.m.) at the Universalist Unitarian Church, 3000 W. Richwoods Blvd., Peoria, IL.
In honor of her generous spirit and passion for justice, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the UU Church or one of Pat’s favorite causes: the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, or the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Pat’s journey on this earthly plane was a grand adventure, marked by love, laughter, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from a well-lived life. Her legacy will continue to flourish in the hearts of all those who have known and loved her!
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com
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