Nancy Pattillo Harris, (85), of Greenwich, CT, died peacefully on May 8, 2022. She was born on December 11, 1936, in Mineola, NY, to James G. Pattillo, Jr. and Julia B. Pattillo. She was sister to Dr. James G. Pattillo, III (deceased), and sister-in-law to Gioia of West Suffield, CT, and to Robert H. Pattillo (deceased) and sister-in-law to Ginger of Westerly, RI. Nancy was daughter-in-law to Benjamin F. Harris, III and Emma C. Ver Bryck; and sister-in-law to Benjamin F. Harris, IV (deceased) and wife Phyllis of Belmont, CA, Anthony M. Harris and wife Connie of Scottsdale, AZ, and Ann Harris Furgerson and husband Cecil (both deceased) of Mesa, AZ.
Nancy grew up in Rockville Centre, NY, where she developed her love for classical ballet.
She became an accomplished dancer and was selected to study in Europe. Nancy attended the State University of New York at Cortland where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She married John Crawford Harris of Champagne, IL, on August 15, 1959. The couple settled in Old Greenwich, CT, where they raised their three children.
Nancy taught nursery school and kindergarten and was an active member in Young Life of Greenwich, The Junior League of Greenwich, The Girl Scouts, and The Garden Club of Old Greenwich, where she was the proud recipient of numerous accolades for her exceptional horticulture. She and John attended Stanwich Congregational Church in Greenwich, St. Paul’s Church in Darien, and St. Saviour’s Church in Old Greenwich, where she served on the hospitality committees. Nancy was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
Nancy and John were members of the Innis Arden Golf Club and Riverside Yacht Club, but Tod’s Point was Nancy’s ultimate home-away-from-home. She will be lovingly remembered for her strong faith in God, commitment to studying the Bible, hosting family gatherings, spending time at the beach with her grandchildren, cooking, and entertaining friends.
In addition to her loving and devoted husband, John, Nancy is survived by their children, Julia Harris Hughes, John (Jock) Crawford Harris, Jr., and Melissa Harris Abbazia; sons-in-law, Edward Zeller Hughes and Timothy Anthony Abbazia; their nine grandchildren, Ned, Claire, Katie and Ethan Hughes, Cameron and Elisabeth Harris, and Julia, Timothy John (TJ) and Emma Abbazia; and several nieces and nephews; including her goddaughter, Nancy P. Butler and godson, Robert H. Pattillo, Jr.
A Christian memorial service celebrating Nancy’s life will be held for family and friends in June. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Pivot Ministries, Inc., 485 Jane Street, Bridgeport, CT 06608.
