Martha Jeanne Harris

Martha Jeanne Harris, age 92, passed away peacefully on Christmas evening, 2014. Her loving family was by her side. Martha was born on June 15, 1922, in Wichita Falls, Texas. She graduated from Wellington High School in Texas in 1939, and briefly attended the University of New Mexico. At UNM, she met and married George T. Harris, Jr., a member of the first graduating class of UNM School of Law, a senior partner in the Modrall Law Firm, and a former President of the State Bar Association. Martha and George moved permanently to Albuquerque in 1946. George preceded her in death in 1985. She is survived by sons, G. Thomas Harris, III and wife, Lee Warner Harris, Ronald G. Harris and wife, Sheila Scott Harris, and her daughter, Debra Harris Ortiz. Her six grandchildren include Brita Elizabeth Harris, Todd Warner Harris and wife, Ellie, Marc Christopher Harris and wife, Kiersten, Brian Christopher Harris, Neil Patrick Harris and husband, David Burtka, and Adam Christopher Ortiz. She is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren: Neri Harris, Amelia Harris, Alaina Harris, Adrianna Harris, Charity Harris, Christian Harris, Isaac Harris, Rachel Harris, Jackson Harris, Delaney Harris, Gideon Burtka-Harris, Harper Burtka-Harris and Riley Ortiz. Extended family survivors are nephews, Vic Coudriet, Mark Coudriet, Kevin Coudriet; and nieces, Mary Margaret Gilstrap, Michelle Coudriet and Cheryl Coudriet. While raising her family, Martha was a vibrant, active member of the Albuquerque community. She served as corresponding secretary of the Junior League of Albuquerque, President of the Sigma Chi Mothers Club, President of the Hoe Handlers Garden Club, and was a longtime volunteer at the Presbyterian Hospital Gift Shop. She and George joined The Tennis Club of Albuquerque in the late 50's, where Martha became a regular and passionate tennis player, playing until her early '70s. A talented amateur painter, Martha shared her work with family and sold it at Tennis Club arts and crafts fairs. She was a regular member of Central Methodist Church. Martha had great enthusiasm for life - frequently entertaining, traveling, and camping. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was feisty, courageous, tons of fun, stubborn, organized, and will be eternally loved by those she leaves behind. A Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at FRENCH - University. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.