Lena Maria Harris

Lena’s first breath was September 20, 1927, in Hallstadt, Germany, and she peacefully breathed her last on May 4, 2025, at the age of 97 surrounded by her family in Bellingham, Washington. Lena “Leni” Maria Harris was born to Katharina and Johann Kalb. She was the eldest of three girls. She is survived by Maria, who lives in the same family home in Hallstadt. Maria, 92 years-of-age, shared, “I was the one who always wanted to go out; Leni was the one who did the housework. She was very neat and responsible.”

Lena grew up during the turbulent years of WWII. She recounted stories of her childhood as a Kriegskinder, or “war child.” When Bavaria was being bombed, she remembered her family members would dress in clothing for bed in case of a late-night air raid. Her mother told the children when her father got a new job that he now works in the bonbon (candy) factory. Lena believed her father was making candy; she later learned he was working in a bomb factory.

Even though Lena recounted stories about growing up during the war, she also shared many fond memories of her childhood in Bavaria. She enjoyed swimming in the Main River. She spent hours picking berries in the woods and taking care of the animals on their farm. Lena received formal secretarial training and was employed in Bamberg as a bookkeeper. She met the handsome American soldier, Oscar Harris, at a Christmas party. She once said, “I guess he was the best Christmas present I ever had.” Lena and Oscar married in 1959 – a gift of 58 years. Eventually Lena, Oscar, and their child, Marah, traveled to Tacoma where Julie and Amy were born. Lena was a devoted mother and raised her three children. For long spans of time, Lena parented her children single handedly as Oscar served in Korea and Vietnam.

Lena’s boldness was a part of her personality. Both in Germany and the United States Lena and Oscar faced prejudice as a mixed-race couple. She fiercely and lovingly supported her children and told them that “mixed flowers are the prettiest.” Her will was strong and so was her love and faith. Lena was a person of few words but in her strong quiet way with her gentle smile she told you she loved you and was proud of you.

In the words of one of her grandsons, “Our plates were never full enough. She would sneak us sugar cereal and toys with weapons… and she was cool with the Barbies. She was a stoic German woman who didn’t blink or repeat herself, but ‘I love you’ were her easiest words.”

Lena was predeceased by her daughter, Marah Harris, her infant son, Oscar, her sister, Hildegard, and her beloved husband, Oscar Harris. She is survived by her daughters, Julie Gowans (husband David) and Amy McAuliffe (husband Joe); five grandchildren, Angela Wassmann (husband Tommy), Tommy McAuliffe, Edward Guffy, Maria Guffy, and Denny McAuliffe; four great-grandchildren, Khloee, Maximus, Cru, and Maverick, and her sister, Maria. Lena’s whole life was dedicated to her family, and she was deeply loved and will remain in our hearts forever.

Lena will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery in Tacoma, WA at a private service. Please share your memories at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.