Anna Rosemary Harris

Service Information

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 20, at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 2600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham.

Anna Rosemary Harris, 19, was born March 16, 1994 in Bellingham and died April 2, 2013 in an accident while vacationing in Taiwan.

Anna was homeschooled through elementary and middle school and then entered Sehome High, which she attended for two years. She then enrolled in Running Start full time at Whatcom Community College and graduated with honors with her Associate of Arts degree as well as her high school diploma in 2012. This fall she began at Western Washington University at junior status, with the goal of becoming a physical therapist.

From a young age, Anna loved animals. She was a skillful horseback rider, and enjoyed her aunt Holly’s horses. She also enjoyed her cat, Saraphina and her sheep. Anna took violin lessons for 10 years and the violin she cherished is the one her father crafted for her.

Anna was a loyal and faithful friend. She was a source of strength and support to everyone who knew her. She was deeply religious and this faith sustained her through hard times, especially last summer when her dad was diagnosed with a brain tumor and faced surgery and treatments. She thought deeply about difficult and challenging questions and was beginning to address these in her writings. Having been homeschooled together early on, she and her sisters shared a very close relationship and they could often be seen, arm in arm, talking and laughing. They loved exploring new food, new fashion, new literature and music.

In Taiwan Anna was living her dream of traveling and exploring other cultures and up until the moment of the accident was loving every minute of it. She had been planning to do an intensive Korean language program and thought about doing a physical therapy internship in that country.

Anna was a gifted writer. She was a poet from a young age, and more recently had begun writing longer fiction. She was in the process of writing three different young adult novels. Her mother and sisters will be working to compile her writing and have hopes of continuing her work and completing at least one of her longer novels.

Anna was preceded in death by her grandmother, Rosemary Harris, and her grandfather, Frank Nugent. She is survived by her father and mother, Timothy and Ellen Harris and her beloved sisters, Sophia and Emily. She is also survived by her grandfather, Howard Harris; her grandmother Ann Nugent; her aunts Holly Harris, Heather Harris Ezrre and her husband Andy and Laura Nugent (Andrew Ajemian) and her cousin Julia VanArsdel who was like an aunt; her uncles David Harris, Stephen Harris and his wife Margie, their children, Elizabeth, Katy, Ben (Roslyn) and Mary Chatfield (David); Stanley and his wife Karen and their children, Geoffrey (Jennifer), Nicholas, Althea, Thomas, Alexander and Violet; Michael Nugent and his wife Marie, their children Jean-Marc and Celine; David Nugent and his wife Bobbi Gerlick, her children Sara (Doug) and Matthew (April); and cousins John VanArsdel and his wife Melissa, their children Laura and Zane. She shared a special bond with her cousin Thomas, who was like a brother to her. She is also survived by special friends Samantha Preisinger, Tiana Powell, Emiko Peterson-Yoon, Tori Weisel, and Jessica Guo.

The family wishes to thank the people who helped on both sides of the ocean to get Sophia home quickly and safely and bring Anna’s body back with such dignity and respect. These include Carrie Chiles, Dan Long, John Vandenboom, Lo Menchu and Hengan Funeral Home in Taiwan, staff from the Taipei American School and the American Institute in Taiwan, Lavonne Mitchell; Jim Swift; Larry Pederson, Phil Hageman, and Bob Griffiths of Pearson Construction; and Tim & Sandy Powell.

~

The Anna Rosemary Harris Memorial Fund has been established through the Whatcom Community College Foundation to establish endowments for:

1) a scholarship for the Chuckanut Writers Conference so a student writer from Whatcom Community College can attend the conference free and 2) a scholarship to help a Whatcom student to participate in the travel abroad program -- our goal for this endowment is $20,000 which would enable us to offer either a $1000 scholarship every year, or a $2000 scholarship every other year, as yet to be determined.

These two scholarships reflect Anna's two passions: creative writing and seeking to understand other cultures through travel.

If anyone wishes to donate to the fund, checks should be made out to the WCC Foundation with reference to the Anna Rosemary Harris Memorial Fund in the memo line and be sent to:

WCC Foundation 237 W. Kellogg Road Bellingham, WA 98226-9912

Memories

From Cindy Ferrie R…

Ellen and Tim, I'm so sorry to hear of this loss, I'm stunned. I'll keep checking for updated information. Your family is in my prayers.

Apr 05, 2013

From Adrian Koesters

My deepest sympathies on the this terrible loss. You are all in my prayers.

Apr 06, 2013

From Mack & Sylvia …

Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your loved ones. Our prayers are with you.

Apr 06, 2013

From joel gillman

Please tell Emily and Sophia I am thinking of them.

Apr 06, 2013

From Annette Burlingame

We are so sorry to hear of this loss. Our prayers will continue for you and the girls through this difficult time.

Apr 06, 2013

From Caroline, Dan,…

We are all shocked and so very sad. Your family is in our thoughts and hearts.

Apr 06, 2013

From Kathee, Kari, …

We are deeply saddened by the news of Anna's tragic accident. Ellen, Tim, Sophia and Emily - you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Apr 06, 2013

From Carolyn Coughl…

I am a friend of Laura ( Anna's Aunt) and Andrew . This is so sad and stunning it is difficult to process and accept. I am so sad for all of you and for the world that this sweet, thoughtful,and kind young woman has had her life cut short by tragedy. I pray that when you remember the many ways you loved her and made her happy that it provides some comfort. Words cannot begin to convey the sadness we feel. Just know that we care and are thinking of your family and hope that our prayers and caring somehow bring a small amount of comfort to a devastating loss.

Apr 06, 2013

From Barbara, Eric …

Ellen, Tim, Sophia, and Emily - Our thoughts and love are with you. We are so very sorry for your loss.

Apr 06, 2013

From Teresa Rieland

My heart goes out to your whole family. You are all in my prayers.

Apr 07, 2013

From Terry Talucci

Dear Tim & Ellen, Sophia & Emily,

I am so sorry to learn of Anna's passing. Losing a child must be an unfathomable sorrow and the sudden loss, all the more difficult. I will keep you both and Anna's sisters in my thoughts and prayers.

Terry Talucci

Apr 07, 2013

From Barbara (Bobbi…

Dear Time and Ellen, Words will never fully express my sorrow for your horrific loss. I had Anna in my 3rd grade Sunday school class and had the privilege of watching her grow into a stunning young woman. As an acolyte she would serve me my communion drink with a special sweet smile of recognition. That small act warmed this old lady's heart She was shy around me; yet sweet and gentle. What a gift she was to those who knew her. What a deep an empty hole she leaves in the hearts of those who knew her well. She was deeply loved by many; will be deeply missed for years to come; but then there will come a time when there will be the recognition that she was blessed to be so loved; and the pain will not be so intense. I pray for strength and healing for your whole family. And may your faith serve you well. Bobbi

Apr 07, 2013

From Allen Stockbridge

I hold the Harris family in the Light and will think of Anna being one with God...

Apr 07, 2013

From Peggy Fogarty

Ellen, Tim, Sophia and Emily I am so sorry for your loss. Our neighborhood grieves with you. We are all shocked and so sad. Your daughter Anna was a lovely young lady. Our prayers are with you and your extended family.

Apr 07, 2013

From Julie and Kern…

Ellen, Tim, Sophia, and Emily I just wanted to say just how sorry we are about the loss of Anna. She was a wonderful, kind, and gentle young lady. She will be deeply missed by us and by many others. Please know that our family is uplifting your family in prayer. We will continue to do so. May God's peace be with you all..........

Apr 07, 2013

From Margaret Bikman

I have wonderful memories of Anna dancing with her sisters and cousins. I am so very sorry; my prayers are with all of your family.

Apr 08, 2013

From Jane & Eric Corley

Dear Ellen, Tim, Sophia, and Emily ... Words cannot express our sadness on the loss of Anna. May God lift all of you up and hold you in the palm of His hand during this sad time. Hugs -- Jane & Eric

Apr 08, 2013

From Matt & Elinor

Dear Tim, Ellen, Sophia and Emily,

We cannot begin to understand the depth of your loss. Anna was a beautiful, serene, Christ-filled young lady. Full of confidence and hope for the future. Nothing can ever take away the memories we have of Anna, and the special, grace-filled way she carried herself. You are in our prayers.

Apr 08, 2013

From Terry and Sall…

Tim and Family, We just wanted to express our sympathy. We know there is not anything we can do or say at this time to lessen the pain. Our wish is that you find all the solace that's out there.

With Love, Terry and Sally Hileman

Apr 08, 2013

From Letha Wilson-Barnard

Dear Ellen & Tim,

I am so very sorry for Anna's death. I can't imagine the grief and loss that you are experiencing. She sounds like an amazing young woman. I hear that she was going to be an intern at WindCradle this summer. Your whole family will remain in my prayers. May you know God's presence in your grief and hope in the resurrection in the midst of this tragedy. Peace, Letha

Apr 08, 2013

From Ralph and Mary…

Your family remains in our thoughts and prayers every day. We are so very sorry.

Ralph and Mary

Apr 08, 2013

From Lorina and Tom Hall

Dear Tim and Ellen, Sisters Sophia and Emily,

Your loss is profound, we send our sympathy, even as we cannot imagine the depth of your loss. We hold you in the Light.

Apr 08, 2013

From The Stewart Family

Dear Emily, Ellen, Tim, & Sophia, We are so very, very sorry for your great loss. You are in our hearts, our thoughts and prayers. May you find strength and solace in the days ahead. With deepest sympathy, Aubrey, Faith, Bob, & Bobby Stewart

Apr 08, 2013

From pam mueller

David and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to all of you. Words are hard to find. We hold you in our prayers and send our love.

Apr 10, 2013

From Constance Cris…

Tim, Ellen, Sophia and Emily, Our deepest sympathies to all of you. I will always cherish memories of Anna on my visits to Bellingham. Love, Conni and John

Apr 10, 2013

From TJ Olney

I am so sorry to hear of this tragedy in your lives. My sincere sympathy to you and your family. May you find peace. TJ

Apr 11, 2013

From Pat and Mike F…

Tim, Ellen and family,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you....there are no words to express the sadness. We are holding you in prayer. Hugs, Pat and Mike

Apr 11, 2013

From Rosemary Vohs

Our family will always have such fond memories of Anna dancing with the young Scottish country dancers and playing her violin. I had looked forward to perhaps having Anna in one of my classes at Western and so will join the whole Harris family in your deep sorrow at having lost such a vibrant and promising young lady. We will always remember her and encourage all her cousins, sisters and loved ones to take strength and courage in continuing on in life with her memory strong in their hearts.

Apr 12, 2013

From Karen & Les Kragen

We cannot begin to imagine the depth of your grief over this tragic loss. We're in shock. We'll continue to hold all of you up in prayer for the Lord's tender ministry over the long haul...Sending much love...

Apr 13, 2013

From Jan Olsen & Mu…

Tim and Family, Murdoch and I were so terribly sorry to hear of your loss. We are holding you in our thoughts and hope you can find some sort of peace dealing with this unimaginable loss.

Apr 15, 2013

From Jeffrey How

Dear Ellen, Tim, Sophia, and Emily, My deepest sympathy goes out to you during this most difficult time. May you will find peace and solace in Him, and may His love fill the empty places of your hearts. You are in my prayers always. In Christ, Jeffrey

Apr 16, 2013

From Jeffrey How

Dear Tim, Ellen, Sophia, and Emily,

My deepest sympathy goes out to you during this most difficult time. May you will find peace and solace in Him, and may His love fill the empty places of your hearts. You are in my prayers always. In Christ, Jeffrey

Apr 16, 2013

From Donna Rushing

Dear Sophie, Emily, Ellen and Tim and the bigger family
I am truly saddened by the huge loss of your beautiful sister and daughter (granddaughter, cousin, niece, friend). Anna was a true light in the world, and I was so lucky to have her shine it my way when she was a creative writing student in my class. She shared so much of who she was through her writing and her quiet appreciation of and friendship with me. She was so proud of her family, and made sure she introduced you to me after her Running Start ceremony. (I later had the joy of having Sophie in a writing class, too.)
I'm so glad you have each other to get you through this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Anna, whose light no doubt will continue to shine.
With love,
Donna Rushing
(WCC English Faculty)

Apr 16, 2013

From Sam and Rosema…

We are keeping you in our thoughts. She was such a lovely, happy young lady.

Apr 19, 2013

From Christie Kruhlak

Harris Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Anna will be dearly missed.

Love, The Kruhlak's

Apr 19, 2013

From Pat Rose

Dear Tim, Ellen and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of your beautiful daughters tragic accident. My heart goes out to your wonderful family. Please take comfort and support from all of us who care deeply for you and have you in our thoughts and hearts at this time.

Apr 20, 2013

From Janet and Harr…

Dear Harris Family,

We are so very sad for your tragic loss. May all love surround you in the coming days and weeks. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Apr 20, 2013

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