Louise Harris

Louise Elizabeth Clerici Harris of New Philadelphia, Ohio died July 4, 2024 at the age of 81.

Born on September 19, 1942 in Wainwright, Ohio to Louis F. and Rebecca (Carlisle) Clerici, she graduated from Midvale High School in 1960, The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education in 1964, The University of Akron with a Masters of Science in Elementary Education in 1986, and another Masters of Science from The University of Akron in Educational Administration in 1990. She taught elementary school and 7th grade mathematics, was a Tutor, Guidance Counselor, Resource Specialist, Curriculum Supervisor and Special Services Director, working in the New Philadelphia Ohio City Schools, Guernsey County Ohio Schools, Antioch Unified Schools, and East Whittier City Schools of California. After retiring from public education in 2004, Mrs. Harris supervised student teachers for the University of Akron and coordinated the parent component of the New Philadelphia City School’s Quaker Digital Academy, Title I and IV. 

She was a member of the Community of Christ, where she and taught various children’s Sunday school classes, was the recorder for many years, served on the worship commission, and secretary typing the bulletin for each Sunday. Other organizations were the Ohio Retired Teachers Association and the Tuscarawas County Chapter of ORTA, serving as membership chair, BPOE New Philadelphia #510 for which she edited the newsletter and served on the scholarship committee, a member and officer of College Club, American Association of University Women, AARP, and Tuscarawas County Senior Citizens. She was also a Karuna Reiki Master and attended the Reiki Circle of Massillon, Ohio, Reiki Masters Circle in Canton, and Reiki Healing Circle in New Philadelphia of which she was a charter member.

Mrs. Harris had many hobbies, such as walking, yoga, bridge, crossword puzzles, golf and had a passion for reading fiction, non-fiction, and metaphysical books. As an avid reader she formed a monthly book club after her retirement with five of her friends and they became very close over the years. She had many good friends and loved spending time with them. She had many dogs over the years that were like her children to her. She also liked a glass of good Italian wine.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Margaret (Richard) Simmons; nephew, Rick Simmons; and former husband and companion, Stan Harris.

She is survived by her only child, David M. Harris of Placerville, California; sister, Nancy Mikoloski of Placentia, California; nieces, Abby Koyanagi, Carolyn Rede, Susan Brown and their families; and nephews, James Harris, and Robert Harris.

Mrs. Harris’ family will greet guests on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, from 5 – 7 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Elder Jim Watson will lead a funeral service on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 11 AM in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow in East Ave. Cemetery at New Philadelphia.

In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Harris requests gifts given in her name to the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, 1432 Tall Timber Rd. NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663, or a favorite charity. Go Bucks!