Dagny Harris

Dagny Holgerson Harris, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend passed away on October 17, 2023, age 86, surrounded by her family. She was born on February 18, 1937, to Ture and Gunborg Holgerson and grew up in Detroit, Michigan. Dagny was known for her kindness, quick wit, and boundless caring nature. She had a delightful sense of humor that brightened the lives of everyone she encountered. Her love of travel was apparent in her many adventures with her husband, Donald, as they journeyed overseas countless times. She was a woman of many talents and passions, but perhaps one of her most cherished roles was that of a loving wife to her husband of 64 years, Donald Harris. Dagny was a dedicated mother, raising her children with unwavering love and support. She leaves behind her children, Doug Harris (Deb Peery), Denise Harris, and Lisa (Craig) Tayler, who will always carry the warmth of her love in their hearts. Dagny's role as a grandmother was one she treasured deeply. She is survived by her grandchildren, Katherine Peery (Tony Osborn), Sam Harris (Lydia Lanni), Rachel Yarbrough (Brian Scherf), and Andrew Yarbrough, as well as her great-grandchildren, Olivia and Penelope Scherf and Oscar Harris. Dagny enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her extended family as well. She was a beloved sister to June (the late Arthur) Curlew and Carol (Ron) Aucott, and cousin to Len Lofstrom and Mary Brodzik, sharing a lifetime of memories with them. She had numerous other extended family members who held a special place in her heart. Never one to sit at home, Dagny cherished times with her many friends, from her Detroit days to South Carolina, Florida, and finally Fox Run Senior Living Community in Novi, Michigan. One of Dagny's greatest passions was reading – a book was never far from her hands – and was a member of countless book clubs. She also enjoyed bridge, the theater and University of Michigan football. Her Swedish heritage and Cornish (by marriage) were important to her, from traveling and attending festivals to sharing traditional foods with family – herring and pasties were always on the menu. Her dedication to education led her to obtain a Bachelors in Education from Wayne State and Master of Education degree from the University of Michigan and served as a public-school teacher for 15 years impacting the lives of countless students before joining AT&T as system designer before retiring in 1997. Dagny’s legacy of kindness and the joy she brought to those who knew her will live on in their memories. She will be dearly missed, but her spirit will forever remain in our hearts. To honor Dagny’s memory, we are holding a celebration of life on Sunday, November 5 at 1:00 pm at in the Derby Room (41340 Fox Run, Novi, MI). We invite anyone who knew her to attend and remember her wonderful life. As it is a celebration of life gathering, please feel free to wear casual, comfortable clothes of any shade or hue. Donations to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library would be a wonderful way to recognize her love of reading. Rest in peace, dear Dagny.

Dagny Harris

February 18, 1937 - October 17, 2023