GOWANDA - Rose Mary Harris, age 63, of Jamestown Street, Gowanda passed away unexpectedly Sunday, July 8, 2012 while visiting her sister in Mexico, Missouri. Born in Gowanda, NY, a twin daughter of the late Herbert and Lona (Witt) Harris, on November 22, 1948. Rose Mary graduated from Gowanda Central School Class of 1966. After high school, she attended Central Missouri State University where she earned her BS & MA degree in Elementary Education. Rose Mary's teaching career spanned more than 41 years. She was currently employed with the Gowanda Central School District as a 1st grade teacher, a position she held for 27
years. Rose Mary's teaching career began in 1971 teaching kindergarten for the Hopkins Co. School District in Madisonville, Ky.
She transferred back to Western New York in 1982 teaching 4th grade for the Cattaraugus School District. She taught in Cattaraugus until 1984 before taking a teaching position with the Lake Shore School District teaching 3rd grade. She had been a first-grade teacher at the Gowanda Elementary School since 1985, and looked forward to returning to teaching this fall as her fellow teachers and students were a very important
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Rose Mary Harris
part of her life.
Rose Mary had several organizations that were dear to her heart. She was the Treasurer for the Gowanda Teacher's Association; member of the Gowanda Ambulance Board; served on many committees for her church - the Collins Friends Meeting Church; the Neighborhood Watch Group; past member of the Hollywood Theater Restoration Committee, and was one of the original members of the Friends of The Hollywood Theater; and past member of the Gowanda Free Library serving on its Board of Directors.
Rose Mary is survived by her twin sister, Ruth Ann Menneke of Mexico, Missouri; her nephews, Herb (Jennifer) Menneke of New Hampton, Mo., Nicholas (Beth) Menneke of St. Charles, Mo., Ricky (Jerri) Mahaney of Knobnoster, Mo; and great-nieces and great-nephews whom she greatly adored.
Besides her parents, Rose Mary was preceded in death by her brother-in-law Michael Menneke. She will be missed dearly by her many friends, students, fellow teachers and family.
Friends may call at the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME, 44 Center St., Gowanda (716) 532-4200 (Mark A. Schindler director) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 14th. Her funeral will be held at 1 p.m. at the funeral home following visitation. Interment to follow in the family cemetery plot in the East Ripley Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Rose Mary's name may be made to a local charity of one's choice.
